World's Prettiest Bassline (James Jamerson, 1970)

THIS POST IS NOT A FORUM FOR THE VARIOUS MERITS (SMALL AND LARGE) OF CAROL KAYE, BOB BABBITT OR OTHER BASSISTS. I WILL BE FORCED TO DELETE SUCH DIVERSIONARY ENTRIES IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU.
[Program Note: Let me tell my YouTube friends and colleagues that I sincerely appreciate your interest in the great body of work by the late bassist, James Jamerson. Your comments have been enthusiastic and heartfelt. One particular comment really mirrors my sentiment about James Jamerson in an uncanny way and I will quote it here - "World of difference between playing this and having the imagination to put it together. Could you have done this bassline without hearing the original?" - by maccagrabme - ]

I could not say it better than that.
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The Jackson 5 performed Darling Dear on their third album (The Third Album). James Jamerson played bass on this selection with a style and fluency seldom heard in common hours. The bassline is so soulful and beautiful that many musicians speak of having "sung" the bassline instead of the equally great lead vocal line delivered by the gifted and prodigious Michael Jackson. The bassline would qualify as a "wonder of the world" since it is such a bold departure from anything heard at that time. James Jamerson is arguably the greatest bass player to ever live. He played on more number 1 hit records than any other bassist, or musician in the history of popular music. He died a bitter and brokenhearted man since he was neither adequately compensated or recognized for his immeasurable contributions to the spirit and practice of bass playing.

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[Allan Surdi]

James Lee Jamerson was an American bass player. He was the uncredited bassist on most of Motown Records' hits in the 1960s and early 1970s, and he is now regarded as one of the most influential bass players in modern music history.

[Charles Thompson]

My sons ask me why I don't listen to much contemporary R/B. Its because the rhythm section drives the music. You can't replace the drummer and the bassist with a drum machine/synth and expect much in my estimation. Sorry. Love James Jamerson, he proves my point.

[Gabriel Moura]

I understand how he got to be an influence to many great bass players. Now he is mine too.

[mrJimCharles]

I had forgotten that they did that, I have GOT to get me a copy of that "Stripped Mixes"!

[marcos barros]

JAMES JAMERSON , KING OF THE GROOVE. TRUE BASS HERO! STEVIE WONDER, MARVIN GAYE, THE TEMPTATIONS, THE FOUR TOPS, DIONNE WARWICK, JACKSON FIVE ............... ETC

[John Gutierrez]

The greatest electric bass player ever.

[Samuel M]

I think in a time when music has become more of a fashion statement than a vehicle for bringing us together what's lacking is the pure since of creativity. We finally realize the artist of the past like James where who set the standard for music past and present. but the digital age has watered down what took decades for a culture to build. music wasn't created in a lab, it came from our Soul and in our Soul it will stay. You can't buy it. It is our birth right.

[G Buzz]

Paul McCartney recently stated (in answer to a fan question) that James Jamerson was his biggest influence as a bassist.

[Alejandro Gutierrez]

I agree, anyone can copy, few can create.

[keith johnson]

I live about 45 miles from where he was born which is Orangeburg SC and I think how he transformed music. Berry Gordy should be ashamed of himself for treating him and others that badly.

[biff malibu]

Kinda makes me mad that this guy died broke and mad at the world. He was a bass genius ! Motown gave him the big stiffy, up the butt. Way to go Motown.......assholes.

[Kevin Hicks]

Simply perfect. The key is the way Jamerson made it swing. This song could have been a hit with just bass and drums plus the vocals! A master at the top of his game!