Jan was born April 17, 1948 in Prague, which before was known as Czechoslovakia. Jan was born into a musical family, and began to play piano at the age of four. By the time Jan was 14 he was touring and recording jazz ensemble. Also, around the time he was keeping busy, he got to work with Weather Report’s member Miroslav Vitous around that time as well. Jan hammer studied at the one of the most profound music school in the world, which was Berkeley School of Music. He really does a great job of playing the keys in songs but it was also amazing when it came to the mix as well.