Big Bank Hank, whose real name was Henry Lee Jackson, was a pioneering figure in the early days of hip-hop as a member of the Sugarhill Gang. Born in 1956 in New York City, Hank gained fame for his rapping skills and contributions to the Sugarhill Gang's hit song 'Rapper's Delight,' which is considered one of the first commercially successful rap singles. His smooth delivery and charismatic stage presence helped popularize hip-hop music and culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s.