Vincent Herring is an internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, author, and educator whose artistry is defined by commanding technique, a deep blues sensibility, and a masterful command of the hard-bop tradition within the continuing evolution of jazz. Widely respected for the clarity, intensity, and sophistication of his musical voice, he has sustained a distinguished career as a bandleader, educator, and one of the most sought-after collaborators in jazz.

Herring began playing saxophone at age 11 in school bands while studying privately at Dean Frederick’s School of Music in Vallejo, California. By 16, he had earned a music scholarship to California State University, Chico, and a year later won a place in the United States Military Academy Band at West Point—an early achievement that helped launch his professional path.
 

After moving to New York City in the early 1980s to attend Long Island University, Herring quickly entered the international jazz scene, first touring the United States and Europe with the Lionel Hampton Big Band. Strongly influenced by Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, he soon came to the attention of Nat Adderley, beginning a nine-year musical partnership that produced nine albums and extensive touring worldwide. Following Adderley’s death, Herring joined Louis Hayes in forming the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band and went on to work and record with pianist Cedar Walton for more than two decades.
 

Throughout his career, Herring has performed and recorded with many of jazz’s most distinguished artists and ensembles, including the Horace Silver Quintet, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Jack DeJohnette’s Special Edition, Larry Coryell, Steve Turre, Kenny Barron, Nancy Wilson, Dr. Billy Taylor, Carla Bley, and John Hicks. He has also appeared as a featured guest soloist with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center and with Jon Faddis and the Carnegie Hall Big Band. In 2010, Herring won a Grammy Award as a member of the Mingus Big Band for Live at the Jazz Standard, further affirming his standing among the leading voices in contemporary jazz.

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As a leader, Herring has released more than 30 recordings and has appeared on more than 250 albums as a sideman. His projects reflect a deep understanding of the jazz tradition while engaging its continued evolution. Current projects include Something Else, a seven-piece all- star collaboration centered on a soul-jazz revue; The Battle, a co-led collaboration with Eric Alexander; Vincent Herring–Joris Dudli’s Soul Jazz Alliance; and the Vincent Herring Quartet. Extending his influence beyond the bandstand, Herring is also the author of Logic and Critical Thinking in Jazz Improvisation, a comprehensive method book published by Sher Music in 2024 that reflects his analytical and deeply practical approach to jazz language and improvisational development.

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Herring continues to tour internationally, performing throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, China, and beyond. Alongside his extensive performing career, he remains deeply committed to jazz education, presenting master classes, concerts, and clinics for students and emerging artists. He serves on the faculty of William Paterson University and continues to shape the next generation of musicians while maintaining a vital and influential presence on the global jazz stage.