The God Father of The Electric bass
James Lee Jamerson
The iconic bass player whose rhythms have graced some of the most unforgettable tracks in music history. Once the uncredited bassist for many Motown Record hits during the 1960s and 1970s, his innovative playing style made him and unsung hero of the Motown sound. This sound continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Emerging from the shadows, Jamerson now stands rightfully celebrated as one of the most influential bass players in modern music history.
The Hook
Jamerson's background as a jazz musician and upright bassist transformed his playing style and employed a combination of techniques by playing with only his right index finger known as “the hook” which involved intricate melodic approach and was foundational in moving the Motown sound from the upright bass to the electric bass.
This approach created catchy and memorable basslines that became an integral part of many Motown hits such as The Temptations “My Girl” and Marvin Gaye’s “Whats going on”.
Legend
James Jamerson received several awards and inductions throughout his career and posthumously. He was inducted into the Rock and roll Hall of Fame in 2000 for his unmatched contributions to music. In 2009 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honoring his contributions to the field of recording. Jamerson was recognized for his lasting influence on the music industry and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Jamerson was inducted into the Bass Player Magazine Hall of Fame in 1997. Inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2008.
In 2000 James Jamerson received the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of Appreciation for his notable contributions as a bassist. Jamerson was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021 as a recipient of the Ahmet Ertegun Award. This award recognized his outstanding body of work as a songwriter alongside his bass playing contributions.
Jamerson along with the funk brothers was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007. In 2009 he was inducted into the Fender Hall of Fame. He received the Bass Players Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Jamerson received the Samson, Hartke, and Zoom International Bassist Award in 2012. Jamerson was awarded a bust at the Hollywood Guitar Center Rock Walk, and in 2013 the Funk Brothers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their monumental contributions to music.
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