Iconic jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer Herbie Hancock, whose career spans over six decades, celebrates his 83rd birthday on April 12. As a pioneer of both jazz and electronic music, Hancock has left an indelible mark on the world of music. In celebration of his birthday, let's take a look at five of his most celebrated songs.

"Watermelon Man" (1962) 

Taken from his debut album, Takin' Off, "Watermelon Man" showcases Hancock's knack for catchy, bluesy melodies. This song, which has become a jazz standard, was a hit for both Hancock and Latin jazz artist Mongo Santamaria, who released a popular cover version.

"Cantaloupe Island" (1964) 

Featured on the album Empyrean Isles, "Cantaloupe Island" is another one of Hancock's most beloved compositions. With its infectious groove and memorable melody, the song has been covered and sampled extensively, notably by the hip-hop group Us3 in their hit "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)."

"Maiden Voyage" (1965) 

The title track from his fifth album, Maiden Voyage is a perfect example of Hancock's modal jazz explorations. The song's evocative and ethereal atmosphere transports listeners on a metaphorical sea journey, showcasing Hancock's incredible compositional talent.

"Chameleon" (1973) 

From the groundbreaking album Head Hunters, "Chameleon" is a testament to Hancock's foray into jazz-funk fusion. The song features a bass line that has become iconic in its own right, and its electronic textures helped define the sound of the '70s.

"Rockit" (1983) 

A pioneering track in electronic music, Rockit won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance and became one of the first popular songs to feature scratching. The song's music video, which showcased innovative visual effects and robotics, also helped catapult Hancock into the MTV era.