People often debate who their guitar heroes are, and discussions about the greatest drummers and vocalists are common too. However, when it comes to bassists, the conversation tends to stay within the circles of fellow bass players. While Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, and John Paul Jones often make the top spots in these discussions, the world of bassists deserves much more recognition.
In reality, there are numerous bassists who could be considered for the top rankings alongside the three big names, and it’s not as simple as it may seem. Though McCartney, Entwistle, and Jones undoubtedly belong in the conversation, it’s not a cut-and-dried fact that they are the only ones who deserve to be in the spotlight. A great bassline can elevate a song, often complementing or even surpassing the guitar riff, proving that the bass player is just as crucial to a song’s success. When a bassline hits just right, it has the power to bring a song together, often in ways that go unnoticed by the average listener.
Some bassists have even gone beyond the traditional role of providing rhythm and used their instrument as a lead force in their band’s sound. Legends like Rush’s Geddy Lee and Primus’ Les Claypool push the boundaries of bass playing, creating melodic lines that demand attention. Not all bassists aim to stand out in this way, but it’s a testament to the skill and creativity of those who do.
One such example is Suzi Quatro, a talented bassist, songwriter, and vocalist whose abilities often get overshadowed by her other roles. Suzi, who was raised on rock and roll, didn’t start playing bass until she was 14, but she quickly found her passion for the instrument. She later formed the band The Pleasure Seekers with her sister, Patti, and began looking up to other bass players as her idols.
When asked to pick her guitar hero for a feature in Classic Rock Magazine, Suzi chose not to follow the typical route of selecting a guitarist, instead naming her bass-playing idol. Her ultimate choice, a soul legend, was a groundbreaking figure in the music world who played on over 20 US number-one hits.
Her bass hero? James Jamerson.
Suzi shared her admiration for Jamerson, explaining, “I’m from Detroit, so how could Motown not be a part of my life? I was weaned on it. It’s huge and in my DNA forever.”
James Jamerson, a key figure in the Motown sound, was a session player whose understated yet powerful melodic and harmonic basslines were featured in hits by artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Four Tops. Despite his role as a session musician, Jamerson’s influence extended far beyond Motown, inspiring bassists across genres and making his contributions to music timeless.
His versatility and ability to seamlessly blend into any musical setting, creating flawless basslines for various artists, cement his place as one of the greatest bassists of all time. The next time someone asks you who the best bassist is, don’t hesitate to mention Jamerson, and you might just spark a new conversation on the greatness of the bass guitar.
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