14/09/2025
A great player
HIRAM BULLOCK: Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Hiram Bullock, a great jazz guitarist who left this world too soon.
When I still lived in NYC, I saw a fantastic show of his at the jazz club near my house, Mikell’s. Hiram was leading a band comprised of Marcus Miller, Lennie White, and Don Blackman, if I remember correctly. I have a cassette of the show that I recorded somewhere– it was back in the day when I had to carry around my big ol’ boombox with me everywhere! 😂
I remember sitting at the table in the club, recording the show, and being blown away by Hiram’s interpretation of George Benson’s “Breezin’.” It was a song I loved so much from George, and it was cool to hear a version that was so incredibly different and still so good!
Later, Hiram recorded another of my favorite songs, “Never Give Up.” It’s a beautiful piece that gives me goosebumps when I hear it. Though he left us far too soon, his music lives on for those who know– and those who don’t. He’s on so many recordings and did a lot of network TV, so many people have enjoyed his music without even knowing it.
Happy Birthday, Hiram Bullock!
Photo courtesy of Vintage Guitar Magazine
