James Jamerson...The World's Greatest Bass Player
James Lee Jamerson born January 29, 1936, was an American bassist. He was the uncredited bass guitarist on most of Motown Records' hits in the 1960s and early 1970s (Motown did not list credits on their releases until 1971), and he has become regarded as one of the most influential bass guitar players in modern music history. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
James Jamerson (as is the case with the other Funk Brothers) received little formal recognition for his lifetime contributions. In fact, it wasn't until 1971, when he was acknowledged as "the incomparable James Jamerson" on the sleeve of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, that his name even showed up on a major Motown release.
Jamerson was the subject of a 1989 book by Allan Slutsky (aka "Dr. Licks") titled Standing in the Shadows of Motown. The book includes a biography of Jamerson, a few dozen transcriptions of his bass lines, and two CDs in which 26 internationally known professional bassists (such as John Entwistle, Will Lee, Chuck Rainey, and Geddy Lee) speak about Jamerson and play those transcriptions. Jamerson's story was also featured in the subsequent 2002 documentary film of the same title.
In 2000, Jamerson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, part of the first-ever group of "Sidemen" to be so honored. To date, he is the only sideman bassist to have been inducted.
In 2004, the Funk Brothers were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Long troubled by alcoholism, Jamerson died of complications stemming from cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure and pneumonia on August 2, 1983 in Los Angeles. He was 47 years old and was said to be broke and bitter about his lack of recognition at the time of his death. He left behind a wife, Annie, three sons, James Jr., Ivey, and Derek, and a daughter Doreen. He is interred at Woodlawn Cemetery.
REST IN PEACE BROTHER JAMES JAMERSON
YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING (JAMES JAMERSON ON BASS)
DARLING DEAR (JAMES JAMERSON ON BASS )
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Comment by KnightD12 on February 1, 2009 at 6:32pm
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In my opinion, the bass is the most important instrument in a band. It lays down the groove for the other to follow. When I was in the 6th grade, a classmate brought a bass to school one day. He played the bass line from the theme to the TV show Peter Gun. That just blew me away. How could he do that? lol I have been paying close attention to the bass in songs ever since. Bass player always look so Cool! :)
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Comment by Shelley "SoleMann" King on January 26, 2009 at 9:25am
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yep, i remember when i wanted to be a Bass Player in Junior High School....LOL
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Comment by Edie Antoinette on January 26, 2009 at 9:19am
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The one that's supposed to be a girl is getting DOWN!!
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Wow!!! You can clearly hear and see the Jamerson factor!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Motown Bass Solo Mike Hill (Darling Dear)
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This is suppose to be a girl....LOL
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Don't know who this guy is, but he feeling it too...
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Whoa..he got the famous "hook" like his dad!!!! This is great!!!!!!!!
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He influenced so many Bass Players starting with his son....
JAMES JAMERSON JR
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