World's Prettiest Bassline (James Jamerson, 1970)

[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. _______________________________________________________________________ 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.

Added 7 Sept 2026