Black History Month: James Jamerson
Today's Black History Month illustration is of James Jamerson, one of the most influential bass players in music history.
He was a core member of The Funk Brothers, a small group of studio musicians who performed on most Motown recordings during the 60s. He played more #1 hits than The Beatles (23 pop hits and 56 R&B hits to be exact). He played on “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes, “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas, and “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye.
Jamerson used only his right index finger ("The Hook") to pick lines, an approach from his stand-up bass days. Overall, his complex melodic style brought the bass guitar from the background to the forefront and forever changed the face of bass playing.
Below is a rare clip of Jameson playing What’s Going On live with Marvin Gaye. Legend says he was too intoxicated to play upright, so he played/recorded the What’s Going On bassline while laying on his back.
“What’s Going On/What’s Happening Brother” Marvin Gaye and James Jamerson, live performance from the out of circulation 1973 film, “Save the Children.”
Side, side note: my fave Jamerson basslines are "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder and "It's a Shame" by The Spinners. 😌
Side, side, side note: My illustration of James Jamerson is available as an art print here!
I’ll be back tomorrow with another story!
-Alleanna
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Sources:
Allan “Dr. Licks” Slutsky
Chris Jisi
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