Jan Hammer, born on April 17, 1948, in Prague, is a renowned Czech-American composer, musician, and producer. He emerged as a prominent figure in the music world as a keyboardist for the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the early 1970s. Hammer's influence extended beyond jazz fusion, as he became widely known for his work in film and television scores, most notably for the iconic "Miami Vice Theme," which earned him two Grammy Awards. His compositions also include the theme for the movie "Knight Rider" in 1991 and the soundtrack for the HBO movie "Clinton and Nadine."

Hammer's early life was steeped in music, with a mother who was a singer and a father who played the vibraphone and bass guitar. He began playing the piano at age four and pursued formal music education at the Prague Academy of Muse Arts. The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 led him to the United States, where he attended the Berklee College of Music. Hammer's career in the U.S. flourished as he worked with notable artists like Sarah Vaughan, Jeff Beck, and Neal Schon.

In addition to his work with bands and solo projects, Hammer made significant contributions to the gaming industry by composing music for various computer games in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite facing criticism from jazz purists, Hammer's innovative approach left a lasting impact on the music industry. Today, although less active, he continues to create music, maintaining his legacy as a versatile and influential artist.