Voting Station

James Jamerson

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Musician

The Resume

    (January 29, 1936-August 23, 1983)
    Born in Edisto Island, South Carolina
    Session bassist for Motown (1964-1973)
    Member of The Funk Brothers

Why he might be annoying:

    He smoked cigars.
    He was an alcoholic.
    He and his fellow Funk Brothers nicknamed Motown's studio 'the Snakepit.'
    He played lying on his back when recording Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On.'
    He died broke at 47.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He played bass on almost all of Motown's hits.
    He began his career playing with Jackie Wilson.
    He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman in 2000.
    Although he received almost no recognition during his lifetime, he is now considered one of the greatest bassists in rock and roll.
    Berry Gordy, Jr. called him 'a a genius on the bass... and incredible improviser in the studio and somebody I always wanted on my sessions.'
    Bassists he influenced include Paul McCartney, Randy Jackson, Geddy Lee, Suzi Quatro, John Entwistle, and dozens of others.
    After leaving Motown, he played on records by Robert Palmer and the Sylvers.

Credit: Truffle


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 5 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 4 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 17 Votes: 47.06% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 29 Votes: 58.62% Annoying