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Harvey Mason

Harvey William Mason (born February 22, 1947)[1] is an American jazz drummer, record producer, and member of the band Fourplay. He was the original drummer for Herbie Hancock’s band The Headhunters.

For his son, see Harvey Mason Jr.

Harvey Mason

Harvey William Mason

(1947-02-22) February 22, 1947
Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.

Musician, producer, composer

Drums, percussion

1970–present

Life and career[edit]

Mason was born and grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States,[1] and attended Atlantic City High School.[2] He began playing drums at the age of four with the support of his father, a drummer in the army band.[3]


He was the original drummer for The Headhunters, the jazz fusion band led by Herbie Hancock. After leaving Headhunters in the early 1970s, Mason co-founded the jazz quartet Fourplay.[4] They are on an indefinite hiatus as of 2017. Mason has played as a Sideman with Bill Withers, George Benson and Lee Ritenour.


Mason, who attended Berklee for a year and a half in the 1960s eventually transferred to New England Conservatory where he studied with Vic Firth. Mason received an Honorary Doctorate at Berklee's 2015 Commencement Ceremony for his achievement and influence in music and for his enduring contributions to American and international culture.[5]

Equipment[edit]

Mason endorses Canopus drums,[6] Murat Diril cymbals,[7] Remo drumheads, DW pedals, and Vic Firth drumsticks.[8] Mason has his own Vic Firth Harvey Mason signature drumstick[8] and Vic Firth Harvey Mason Chameleon signature drumstick.[8]

Official website

at AllMusic

Harvey Mason

at IMDb

Harvey Mason