BASS GOD: James Jamerson

James Jamerson

Name: James Lee Jamerson
DOB: January 29, 1936
DOD: August 2, 1983

Background:
A native of Edisto Island, South Carolina near Charleston, Jamerson, moved with his mother to Detroit in 1954 where he learned to play the double bass at High School and began playing around the area in blues and jazz clubs. After Graduating school his reputation has a solid player started providing him with opportunities for session work in studios. In 1959 he found steady work at Berry Gordy’s Hitsville U.S.A. record label, where he became a member of a core group of jazz musicians, recruited by Gordy that became known as The Funk Brothers.

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.

Known For:
James Jamerson was the uncredited Bass Guitar player on most of the Motown Records hits in the 1960’s and early 70’s. Motown did not credit their session musicians on their releases until 1971, and since then has become known as one of the most influential bassists who ever recorded, and the Father of modern bass guitar players and contemporary music history.

Jamerson played on such legendary tracks as “I Was Made To Love Her” by Stevie Wonder, “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Gladys Knight and the Pips and hundreds of other tracks that you will have heard.

Check out the Marvin Gaye video below - classic bassline, with glimpses of James Jamerson on Bass.