Hailed as one of the greatest jazz musicians in modern history, Herbie Hancock will headline the latest in a series of Cunard Blue Note jazz at sea-themed transatlantic crossings on board Queen Mary 2 next year.

The multi Grammy Award winning star will perform three, 45 minute intimate shows in The Royal Court Theatre on board Queen Mary 2’s eight night crossing from Southampton to New York on August 1st-8th, 2016.

The legendary jazz pianist and composer, who wrote the very first jazz album ever to go platinum, spoke about his excitement in performing on board the world’s only ocean liner.

He said: “Some members of my band sailed on the first Queen Mary 2 Blue Note voyage in November this year and had an amazing time.

“I am really looking forward to sailing across the Atlantic on such an iconic ship and sharing some great music with everyone on board.”

Herbie’s career spans over five decades, winning 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters.

Miles Davis, one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century once described Herbie as: “The step after Bud Powell and TheIonious Monk, and I haven’t heard anybody yet who has come after him.”

During the westbound transatlantic crossing Herbie will be joined by band members, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist James Genus and guitarist Lionel Loueke.

Cunard marketing director, Angus Struthers, said: “It is a huge honour to welcome arguably one of the greatest jazz musicians in history on board Queen Mary 2 as part of our ongoing partnership with Blue Note Records.

“Having Herbie perform on board Queen Mary 2 demonstrates how Cunard continues to attract world leaders in the field of entertainment.”