Episode 71: Harvey Mason Sr.

You’ve heard Harvey Mason Sr., whether you realize it or not. From the iconic grooves of Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters to the GRAMMY-winning “Kiss From A Rose” by Seal, Harvey's drumming has shaped music history across genres, decades, and mediums — albums, film scores, and TV alike.

He’s not only a musical powerhouse, but a dear friend, and in this episode, we finally sat down to dig into his legendary run — especially his work with Herbie Hancock and the Head Hunters album. Harvey shares the story of how that band came together, the sessions behind Chameleon and Watermelon Man, and why he chose not to tour with them at the height of their success.

We also dive into his solo career — how it started, how it evolved, and the surprising role Clive Davis played in making it all happen.

Harvey opens up about his long-standing friendships and collaborations with Quincy Jones and Chick Corea, his approach to fatherhood (including raising his sons Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, and Max Mason, former VP of Quincy Jones Productions), and how he built a legacy both on and off the kit.

Fun fact: Vic Firth was Harvey’s teacher — and Harvey still receives royalties from the early days of Vic Firth drumsticks!

We also get into his stunning new album Changing Partners: Trios 2, featuring the likes of Chick Corea, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, James Genus, Dave Grusin, Stanley Clarke.

This conversation is a masterclass in musicianship, legacy, and love for the craft. Enjoy my sit-down with the incomparable Harvey Mason Sr.

‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights.

(0:00:00) Intro

(0:02:35) Harvey’s New Album

(0:05:26) Head Hunters

(0:06:29) Getting the Call from Herbie Hancock

(0:09:20) Making the Head Hunters Album

(0:10:59) Studio vs. Touring Musician, Harvey’s Background

(0:14:06) Berklee, Studying with Alan Dawson

(0:15:33) Vic Firth taught Harvey

(0:17:55) Moving to L.A., Lucille Ball Show

(0:19:41) Session Work in the 1970’s

(0:21:24) Working with Quincy Jones on the Bill Cosby Show

(0:22:51) Instrument Collection, Harvey’s Foundation

(0:24:23) Session Work, Touring

(0:28:00) “Chameleon” Session

(0:30:56) Herbie’s Hollywood Bowl Show

(0:32:55) What Herbie was like in the 70’s

(0:33:47) “Watermelon Man”

(0:35:15) The “4 A.M.” Session, Jaco Pastorius

(0:36:41) Jaco Stories

(0:38:22) The “4 A.M.” Session Continued

(0:38:45) Focusing on Goals, Family Life

(0:41:18) Harvey Mason Jr.

(0:41:59) Max Mason

(0:44:18) Learning from Clive Davis, Quincy, and others

(0:48:22) Biggie, T.I., and Lupe Fiasco Sampled Harvey’s Music

(0:49:05) Funk in a Mason Jar

(0:49:39) “Till You Take My Love,” David Foster, David Paich

(0:51:40) Clive Davis

(0:55:59) Touring with Carole King

(0:57:30) Chick Corea

(0:58:55) Losing Chick and Quincy

(1:00:44) What Harvey is Doing Now

(1:02:05) How to Keep Creativity Going

(1:02:54) Playing Piano in Church

(1:06:42) Playing with Duke Ellington

(1:08:07) The Quincy Jones JammJam

(1:09:12) Advice

(1:10:47) “Changing Partners Trios II”

(1:11:49) Vic Firth Stories

(1:18:55) Residuals, Pension, Royalties, and Sessions

(1:21:31) Sharing Stories

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