Johnny Cymbal - Mr. Bass Man

Johnny Cymbal, at March 11, 1993 Writers in the Round, sings his 1960 hit "Mr. Bass Man." This footage was shot just days before Johnny died.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• johnny
• cymbal
• bass
• man

[lowlights]

JC was such a great songwriter. New CDs of songs he wrote in the 70s/80s came out, called "Some Songs I Left Behind (Volume 1 and 2)" is out - check iTunes for it - he wrote GREAT songs.

[Jindarianjerk]

have any of you heard the actual bass guitar version of this?

it's really cool. this guy was a one hit wonder surely!

[lowlights]

Actually - Johnny Cymbal had a couple of charting hits - first at the age of 15 with "Mr. Bass Man" (which he wrote) and then later "Cinnamon" (recorded under the name "Derek" - his brother's name), then he wrote "I'm Drinking Canada Dry" which was a minor hit and he wrote "Mary in the Morning" which Elvis and Glen Campbell recorded.

[redriverfollow]

Maybe I am being ignorant, but I never knew of his death.

Could you tell me when and how he died.

[lowlights]

The poor fellow died in, I believe, 1993. Just weeks after this footage was shot. I hate to say it - but I think it was alcoholism.  A lot of talent, but it came with a lot of problems too, I guess.

[FanE4AdamL]

Always loved this song! Very nice to see he had a big singing range. Sad he died so young.

[pattytancyus]

I have loved this song for years!Ididn't realize he died right after making this video.I used to call our oldies radio station to play it and even had my kids loving it.They still remember it today.

[dazincalculation]

0:52 That's a priceless look! Yes I can't believe it either that a man could have such a wide vocal range either, amazing!! -daz in oz

[shaniaBLAIR2]

@lowlights thanks this guy is my uncle ;) for real

[urbanexplorer1996]

@lowlights actualy it was a heartattack in his sleep :(

[fucheduck]

my folks listend to his songs on "KOMA" on long trips. I always thought gitars but he referrs to the bass voice.

[daintyWatch]

Great !

[electrodbluesDavBer]

I think that's my favorite video...

[PhantomoftheOperaOG]

"This footage was shot just days before Johnny died."

Kind creepy.... O.o

[gordonkimble]

Kill me now

[pmoyer50]

I hated Boy Scouts. My father forced me to join the troop. Hated all the stupid ceremonies around the flag before dinner in full dress uniform. Too militaristic for my blood. All present and accounted for . . . Sir! Used to sing this all the time while doing the required over night hike at Resica Falls. Great song. Even more fun to sing.

[ThePattycake1313]

Respond to this video...my dad beat him up back in cleveland, cause he was being mean to a girl