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John H. Hammond

John Hammond
Born John Henry Hammond II
December 15, 1910
New York City, United States
Died July 10, 1987(1987-07-10) (aged 76)
Nationality American
Alma mater Yale University
Occupation music producer
Known for Columbia Records
Spouse(s) Jemison "Jemy" McBride (1941–1948)
Esme O'Brien Sarnoff (1949–1986 (her death))
Children John P. Hammond
Jason Hammond
Parent(s) John Henry Hammond
Emily Vanderbilt Sloane
Relatives William Henry Vanderbilt (great grandfather)
Ogden H. Hammond (uncle)
Awards Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

John Henry Hammond II (December 15, 1910 – July 10, 1987) was an American record producer, civil rights activist and music critic from the 1930s to the early 1980s. In his service as a talent scout, Hammond became one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music.

Hammond was instrumental in sparking or furthering numerous musical careers, including those of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Charlie Christian, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Big Joe Turner, Pete Seeger, Babatunde Olatunji, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Freddie Green, Leonard Cohen, Arthur Russell, Jim Copp, Asha Puthli and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He is also largely responsible for the revival of delta blues artist Robert Johnson's music.

Hammond was christened John Henry Hammond, Jr., although both his father and grandfather shared the same name. He was the youngest child and only son of John Henry Hammond. His father attended Yale University, graduating with a law degree from Columbia Law School. His grandfather was Civil War General John Henry Hammond, who married Sophia Vernon Wolfe. His father was a brother of Ogden H. Hammond, ambassador to Spain, and uncle to politician Millicent Fenwick. Despite the family fortune from his mother's side of the family, his father worked to provide for his family and maintain the family fortune. He worked in various jobs "as a banker, lawyer, and railroad executive".


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