Jerry Hahn

Jazz guitarist, born September 21, 1940 in Alma, Nebraska. Hahn is known as one of jazz’s high-ranking guitarists. He became a key name in the 1960s for his input to the up-and-coming fusion movement, and has remained one of its dedicated promoters until today. At the age of 7 he began playing the guitar and was playing professionally with the Bobby Wiley Rhythmaires at the age of 11. He joined the John Handy Quintet in 1964 and recorded two albums for Columbia Records with them. His next stations were The Jerry Hahn Quintet (1967, one record for Arhoolie Records) and the Gary Burton Quartet with Roy Haynes and Steve Swallow (1968, three albums). Then the Jerry Hahn Brotherhood was initiated by him in 1970. This formation has been described as one of the “trailblazers of rock-jazz integration”. Later he joined the Bennie Wallace Quartet and he also performed, toured, and recorded with former Cream drummer Ginger Baker. Hahn has a Doctor of Music degree and has taught at several universities. He continues to perform, record, tour, and conduct guitar clinics. Hahn has also written columns for the Guitar Player magazine and a textbook for jazz guitar.