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John Hammond

JOHN HAMMOND

YEAR

1986

INDUCTED BY

Ahmet Ertegun

CATEGORY

Ahmet Ertegun Award

He didn’t just change the industry—he changed the world.

Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, these are just a few of the celebrated acts that John Hammond signed to Columbia Records. Furthermore, he played a critical role in integrating the music industry.

John Hammond

John Hammond

HALL OF FAME
ESSAY

By

Legendary talent scout John Hammond discovered some of the greatest talents in jazz, folk, blues and rock and roll during his 54-year association with Columbia Records.

On the jazz and blues side, he played a major role in launching the careers of Billie Holiday, Count Basie and Aretha Franklin. Among rock and roll fans, he will no doubt be best remembered for signing Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

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Class of 1986
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