Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock have been friends for over forty years. In the pursuit of their art, they’ve shattered boundaries previously believed unbreakable, they’ve revolutionized the concept of innovation, and have chosen to make the endeavor of living compassionately and courageously the center of their lives.

From their early days composing and playing together with Miles Davis in Davis’ Second Great Quintet, to branching out and flourishing in their individual endeavors, Wayne and Herbie’s contributions to the

world of music have been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, they’ve won a combined total of

twenty-five Grammys. Despite their countless accolades, they’ll both insist that their greatest

achievements lie in their roles as husbands, fathers, and humans of this earth.

After the recent rash of tragedies around the globe in the past year

from Paris to San Bernardino, we had the opportunity to ask Wayne

and Herbie how the next generation of artists can respond. Below is

an open letter with their thoughts.