Talk:James Jamerson

Untitled
James Jamerson was a good bassist, and he did record Stevie Wonder's "I Was Made To Love Her". Ask anyone, look it up anywhere (except Carol Kaye material), or just listen and hear for yourself.

Carol Kaye controversy
I reckon someone should add a section on Carol Kaye's claims that she was the backing bassist on a lot of tracks that are Jamersons. http://rateyourmusic.com/board_message/message_id_is_1307107 is a good link to look up —Preceding unsigned comment added by 172.143.172.100 (talk) 14:33, 17 June 2008 (UTC)

No one should be able to forget she made the claims. When added to this article someone from Kaye's camp invariably comes to remove it. I did annotate on Stevie Wonder's I Was Made To Love Her that Carol also claims it. Let's see how long it stays up. BassLand — Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.175.167.192 (talk) 01:52, 4 August 2011 (UTC)

Hello, I removed the aforementioned parenthetical comment regarding I was Made to Love Her. At first I was just going to tag it as citation needed, but saying that she mixed herself up with the beach boys' version and that she didn't even play on that one either does come across as a bit snarky. And frankly not relevant to Jamerson's cultural contributions. While it was hoopla at the time, Slutsky accumulated enough evidence during the lawsuits that the inclusion of Kaye's claims aren't appropriate for the Jamerson page in it's current state of development; perhaps if there was a more in depth section on "posthumous legacy?" In the meantime Kaye has many disputed claims. Barring legal validation of her claims, her page is really where any discussion of this belongs. Reve (talk) 19:38, 25 March 2015 (UTC)

What's Going On
According to the documentary on the Funk Brothers, Standing In the Shadows of Motown, Jamerson recorded the bass part to What's Going On while lying on his back on the floor. That's an impressive feat, but I wasn't sure if it had a place in this article. Any thoughts? --24.75.136.130 14:26, 7 June 2006 (UTC)


 * The music business is full of stories 'bout musicians playing under the influence of various substances. Amongst other things, I have actually seen a name guitarist slide backwards off a stool (he had to sit on a stool 'cos he couldn't stand), pissed as a newt, in the middle of a solo and continue playing his solo on his back. But unless it can be reliably referenced it has no place on Wikipedia.--Technopat (talk) 08:34, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

++++WHAT'S GOING ON++++++ Same thing heard here, but even more imcredible was that according to the documentary, Marvin Gaye also brought him in the studio drunk as a skunk, and that's when the song was recorder and he did actually play that bas line on his back. Listening to the song today, it's still hard to believe that he kept pace, and how amazing it still sounds.

What's Going On
I think the story has a place in the article since it shows the lengths to which Marvin Gaye would go to have Jamerson play and how talented he was. If you don't mind I'd like to add it as part of a school project. Drj17 (talk) 01:45, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:Jamerson 4.jpg
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BetacommandBot 03:41, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

Jamerson and innovation
Generally, music articles on Wikipedia seem to be written by individuals with good knowledge in one area of music but often lacking a more comprehensive understanding. For instance, the notion that "the role of the bass in popular music...until that time largely consisted of root notes, fifths and simple repetitive patterns" would be news to Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, and many other bassists playing more than just root notes and simple repetitions within popular music before the rock and roll era. Ascribing that shift to Jamerson is inaccurate, and something to which he himself no doubt would readily disagree. That Jamerson was masterful and innovative is a given, and saying that he is an innovator in the playing of the bass guitar, the Fender bass being only about a decade old by the time he picked it up in the early 1960s, would be more accurate.PJtP (talk) 00:28, 18 February 2010 (UTC)

Response to BetacommandBot: this is why the article specifies "popular music," which is a dumb term, but most people understand it to be a separate category from Jazz, Classica, modern music, etc..

Re: Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus,. All of whom were primarily upright bassist. While Jamerson played the upright that is not what is being discussed here. The role of the ELECTRIC bass (For which Jamerson is noted in this instance), the statement rings true in my opinion. (BassLand) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.91.240.74 (talk) 14:51, 27 August 2010 (UTC)


 * I agree with PStP. As written, the section talked about "bass" playing and not "electric bass" playing. Also, Jamerson's importance has little to do with what he played (his instrument: acoustic or electric bass) but is about what he played with his instrument. But... the sophisticated bass playing of jazz musicians had not been noticeable or relevant in pop music for many years; popular music had moved away from the jazz idiom. I have edited the article to make clear that JJ's innovation occurred in the context of then-current popular music such as R&B/rock'n'roll/country music. Many have indeed said he brought a jazz sensibility to his playing, but I have not heard anybody say that he was expanding the role or style of the bass in jazz. (but this article isn't about jazz) David Couch (talk) — Preceding undated comment added 19:15, 25 May 2014 (UTC)

Influence on bass players: this section is confusingly written. It starts "Prominent bassists who have claimed Jamerson as a primary influence include James Brown's bassist Fred Thomas, Bernard Odum, Bootsy Collins, John Paul Jones, Tim Drummond, Sweet Charles Sherrell, ..." It reads as if "James Brown's bass player" was Fred Thomas. He was, but so was Odum, collins, drummond, and sherrel. John Paul Jones was not, nor were the others. This should be rewritten (repunctuated) to clarify.


 * I have made some edits to the “Influence” section to tidy this up.——-Design (talk) 06:17, 12 March 2018 (UTC)

James Jamerson Discography
My Girl - Temptations

Bernadette - 4 Tops also claimed by Carol Kaye

Aint That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye

Ooh Baby Baby - The Miracles

To Many Fish In The Sea - The Marvelettes

Uptight (Everything Is Alright) - Stevie Wonder

Heat Wave (U) - Martha & The Vandellas

This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers

I Heard It Through The Grapevine (2 recordings) - Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & Pips

Where Did Our Love Go (U) - Diana/Supremes

Since I Lost My Baby - Temptations

For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder

My Guy (U) - Mary Wells

Your Precious Love - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

You've Really Got A Hold On Me - The Miracles

Love Child - Diana/Supremes

I Guess I'll Always Love you

Dancing In The Streets - Martha & The Vandellas

Don't Mess With Bill - The Marvelettes

What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

Standing In The Shadows Of Love - 4 Tops

Mickey's Monkey (U) - The Miracles

Cloud Nine - Temptations

Nothing's To Good For My Baby - Temptations

My Baby Loves Me - Martha & The Vandellas

You Keep Me Hanging On - Diana/Supremes also claimed by Carol Kaye

You Beat Me To The Punch - Mary Wells

Little Darling (I Need You) - 4 Tops

I'm Ready For Love

The Way You Do The Things You Do - Temptations

I Can't Help Myself - 4 Tops

Roadrunner - Jr. Walker & The All-Stars

You're All I Need To Get By - Temptations

You Can't Hurry Love - Diana/Supremes

Shop Around - The Miracles

Ain't To Proud To Beg - Temptations

My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder

It's The Same Old Song - 4 Tops

How Sweet It Is - Marvin Gaye

Take Me In Your Arms (And Rock Me A Little While) - Brenda Holloway

Ain't No Mountain High Enough (2 recordings) - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell, Diana/Supremes

My Baby Must Be A Magician - The Marvelettes

Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart - Diana/Supremes

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep - Temptations

Ask The Lonely - 4 Tops

Going To A Go-Go - The Miracles

I was Made To Love Her - Stevie Wonder also claimed by Carol Kaye

Hitch Hike - Marvin Gaye

I Second That Emotion - The Miracles

Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes

Jimmy Mack (U) - Martha & The Vandellas

I Hear A Symphony - Diana/Supremes

Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) - 4 Tops

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Temptations

Get Ready - Temptations

The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game

Stop! In The Name Of Love - Diana/Supremes

That's What Love Is Made Of

Nowhere To Run - Martha & The Vandellas

Seven Rooms Of Gloom - 4 Tops

Pride & Joy - Marvin Gaye

(I Know) I'm Losing You - Temptations

Two Lovers - Mary Wells

I'll Turn To Stone - 4 Tops

Come See About Me - Diana/Supremes

Stubborn Kind Of Fellow - Marvin Gaye

How Long Has That Evening Train Been Gone

If I Were your Woman Gladys Knight & The Pips

My World Is Empty Without You - Diana/Supremes

The Tracks Of My Tears - The Miracles

I'm Wondering - Stevie Wonder

Can I Get A Witness - Marvin Gaye

The Girls Alright With Me - Temptations

Shoo Be Doo Be Doo Da Day - Stevie Wonder

Reflections - Diana/Supremes

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted - Jimmy Ruffin

Baby I Need Your Loving - 4 Tops

Quicksand... - Martha & The Vandellas

Reach Out...I'll Be There - 4 Tops

You Beat Me To The Punch - Mary Wells

The Bells - The Originals

Shotgun - Jr. Walker & The All-Stars

Fingertips (pt2)- Stevie Wonder

Hey Girl - Stevie Wonder

What Are You Gonna Do When I'm Gone (U) - Kim Weston (submitted by Chuck Whaley)

Still Water Runs Deep - Four Tops (Chuck Whaley)

All in the Game - Four Tops (Chuck Whaley)

My Baby - Temptations

The One Who Really Loves You (U)- Mary Wells

This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers

My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left) - David Ruffin

It Takes Two (U) - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

Honey Chile - Martha & the Vandellas

To Busy Thinking About My Baby - Marvin Gaye

When Your Young And In Love - Marvelettes

Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

Still Waters Run Deep - Four Tops

If I Were Your Woman - Gladys Knight & the Pips

I Want You Back - Jackson 5 (see below)

It's Growing - The Temptations (thanks to Catherine J. Lewis)

Agent Double O Soul - Edwin Starr(thanks to Catherine J. Lewis)

I Can't Get Next To You - Temptations (thanks to John Coe)

I want A Love I can Feel - Temptations (thanks to Anthony Parker)

Heart Breaking Guy - Supremes (thanks to Anthony Parker)

...And countless other Album tunes and "B" sides

Motown Album Tracks

Every Time I See You I Go Wild - Stevie Wonder (from Motown Legends reissue)

Respect - Stevie Wonder

A Place In The Sun (U) - Stevie Wonder

Hold Me - Stevie Wonder

Ain't That Asking For Trouble - Stevie Wonder

Baby Don't Do It - Stevie Wonder*

Angie Girl - Stevie Wonder

Music Talk - Stevie Wonder

I'll Love You Forever - Edwin Starrs Greatest Hits (thanks to Catherine J. Lewis)

(note: You can hear most of the above examples by clicking the above link)

Sunny - Four Tops (Thanks to Jeff Whittemore)

Sunny - Stevie Wonder (Thanks to Jeff Whittemore)

Fever In The Funk House - James Jamerson composition (Thanks to Jeff Whittemore) This recording is from a Earl Van Dyke album and it is pure Jamerson...

Non Motown Recordings

The following might be a more complete discography of James Jamerson:

A Place In The Sun - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Agent Double O Soul - Edwin Starr

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana & Supremes

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

Ain't That Asking For Trouble - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Aint That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye

Ain't To Proud To Beg - Temptations

All I Need is Time" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

All in the Game - Four Tops (Chuck Whaley)

Angie Girl - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Ask The Lonely - Four Tops

Baby Don't Do It - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Baby Love - Supremes *

Baby I Need Your Loving - Four Tops

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep - Temptations

Behind A Painted Smile - Isley Brothers *

Bernadette - Four Tops

Between Her Goodbye and My Hello" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

Can I Get A Witness - Marvin Gaye

Check Yourself - Temptations *

Cindy - Temptations *

Cloud Nine - Temptations

Come & Get These Memories - Martha & The Vandellas *

Come Round Here (I'm The One You Need) - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles*

Come See About Me - Diana/Supremes

Come to Me - Marv Johnson

Contract On Love - Stevie Wonder *

Daddy Could Swear, I Declare" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

Dancing In The Streets - Martha & The Vandellas

Danger, Heartbreak Dead Ahead - The Marvelettes *

Darling Dear - Jackson 5 *

Distant Lover - Marvin Gaye *

Didn't You Know (You'd Have to Cry Sometime)" - Gladys Knight & Pips*

Don't Mess With Bill - The Marvelettes *

Easily Persuaded - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

Everybody Needs Love - Gladys Knight & Pips *

Every Time I See You I Go Wild - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Fan the Flame - Temptations *

Farewell Is A Lonely Sound - Jimmy Ruffin * ?

Farewell My Love - Temptations *

Fever In The Funk House - James Jamerson *

Fingertips (pt2) - Stevie Wonder

For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder

Friendship Train" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

Get Ready - Temptations

Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue - Temptations *

Going To A Go-Go - The Miracles

Gonna Give Her All the Love I've Got - Temptations *

Got to Find Myself a Brand New Baby - David Ruffin *

He Who Picks a Rose - Temptations *

Heart Breaking Guy - Supremes

Heat Wave - Martha & The Vandellas

Help Me Make It Through the Night" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

Hey Girl - Stevie Wonder

Hitch Hike - Marvin Gaye

Hold Me - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Honey Chile - Martha & the Vandellas

Home Cookin' - Jr Walker *

How Long Has That Evening Train Been Gone - Diana/Supremes

How Sweet It Is - Marvin Gaye

How Sweet It Is(To Be Loved By You) - Jr Walker & All Stars *

I Can't Get Next To You - Temptations

I Can't Help Myself - 4 Tops

I Could Never Love Another(After Loving You) - Temptations *

I Don't Want to Do Wrong" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

I Guess I'll Always Love you - Isley Brothers

I Hear A Symphony - Diana/Supremes

I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Gladys Knight & Pips

I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

[I Know] I'm Losing You - Temptations

I Lost Everything I Ever Had (And Now I'm Losing You) - David Ruffin

I Love the Way You Love - Marv Johnson * ?

I Second That Emotion - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

I Truly, Truly Believe - Temptations *

I Want A Love I can see - Temptations

I Was Made To Love Her - Stevie Wonder

I Wish It Would Rain" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

I Wish it Would Rain - Temptations *

I'd Be A Fool Right Know - Stevie Wonder *

I'll Love You Forever - Edwin Starr [album version]

I'll Pick A Rose For My Rose - Marv Johnson * ?

I'll Turn To Stone - 4 Tops

(I'm A) Road Runner - Jr Walker & All Stars *

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Temptations

I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Diana Ross & Supremes/Temptations *

I'm Ready For Love - Martha & The Vandellas

I'm So Glad I Fell For You - David Ruffin *

I'm Wondering - Stevie Wonder

Isn't She Pretty - Temptations *

It Should Have Been Me" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

It's A Shame - The Spinners *

It's Growing - The Temptations

It's The Same Old Song - 4 Tops

It Takes Two - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

I've Passed This Way Before - Temptations *

Jimmy Mack - Martha & The Vandellas

Just A Little Misunderstanding - Contours *

Just Let Me Know - The Temptations *

Just to Keep You Satisfied - Marvin Gaye *

"L.A. Is The Place" - Kenny Koontz sadly James' last recording

Little Darling (I Need You) - 4 Tops

Love Child - Diana/Supremes

Love Is Hear & Now Your Gone - Supremes *

Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart - Supremes

Love's gone Bad - Chris Clark * ?

Make Me the Woman That You Go Home To - Gladys Knight & Pips *

May I Have This Dance - Temptations *

Mickey's Monkey - The Miracles

Music Talk - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Mutiny - Jr. Walker *

My Baby - Temptations

My Baby Loves Me - Martha & The Vandellas

My Baby Must Be A Magician - The Marvelettes

My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder

My Girl - Temptations

My Guy - Mary Wells

My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left) - David Ruffin

My World Is Empty Without You - Diana/Supremes

Neither One Of Us" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

No Man Can Love Her Like I Do - Temptations *

Nothing's To Good For My Baby - Temptations

Nowhere To Run - Martha & The Vandellas

Ooh Baby Baby - The Miracles

Paradise - Temptations *

Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes

Please Return Your Love to Me - Temptations *

Pride & Joy - Marvin Gaye

Quicksand... - Martha & The Vandellas

Reach Out, I'll Be There - Four Tops

Reflections - Diana/Supremes

Respect - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Save The Children - Marvin Gaye *

Seven Rooms Of Gloom - Four Tops

Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) - Four Tops

Shoo Be Doo Be Doo Da Day - Stevie Wonder

Shop Around - The Miracles

Shotgun - Jr. Walker & The All-Stars

Since I Lost My Baby - Temptations

Slow Down Heart - Temptations *

Standing In The Shadows Of Love - Four Tops

Still Water (Love) - Four Tops

Stop! In The Name Of Love - Diana/Supremes

Strange I Know - Marvelettes *

Stubborn Kind Of Fellow - Marvin Gaye

Sunny - Four Tops [album version]

Sunny - Stevie Wonder [album version]

Take Me In Your Arms - Brenda Holloway

Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

That's What Love Is Made Of - The Miracles

The Bells - The Originals

The End of Our Road - Gladys Knight & Pips *

The Further You Look, The Less You See - Temptations *

The Girls Alright With Me - Temptations

The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game - The Marvelettes

The Nitty Gritty" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

The One Who Really Loves You - Mary Wells

The Tracks Of My Tears - The Miracles

The Way You Do The Things You Do - Temptations

This is My Beloved - Temptations *

This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers

To Busy Thinking About My Baby - Marvin Gaye

To Many Fish In The Sea - The Marvelettes

Two Lovers - Mary Wells

Uptight (Everything Is Alright) - Stevie Wonder

Way Over There - The Miracles *

What Are You Gonna Do When I'm Gone - Kim Weston

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted - Jimmy Ruffin

What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

When I’m With You (Live) - Harvey Mason (1976) *

When Your Young And In Love - Marvelettes

Where Did Our Love Go - Diana/Supremes

Why Did You Leave Me Darling - Temptations *

You Beat Me To The Punch - Mary Wells

You Can't Hurry Love - Diana/Supremes

You Can't Hurry Love - Supremes

You Keep Me Hanging On - Diana/Supremes

You Keep Me Hanging On - Supremes

You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You)" - Gladys Knight & Pips *

You're All I Need To Get By - Temptations

Your My Everything - Temptations *

(You're My) Dream Come True - Temptations *

Your Precious Love - Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

Your Wonderful Love - Temptations

You've Really Got A Hold On Me - The Miracles

Some Non Motown Tracks

Charles Wright & the 103rd Street Band - Ninety-Day Cycle People *

Charles Wright & the 103rd Street Band - So Hot *

The Five Daffs - Your So Faithful (1958)*

The Sylvers - Boogie Fever

Bonnie Pointer - Heaven Must Have Sent You

The Hues Corporation - Rock The Boat

John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom Boom

Jackie Wilson - (Your Love Is Lifting Me) Higher & Higher

Hugo Montenegro - Caravan

Billy Davis Jr & Marilyn McCoo - You Don't Have To Be A Star


 * Al Wilson - Show And Tell (Bass played by Dennis Parker)

The Reflections - (Just Like) Romeo and Juliet *

The San Remo Golden Strings - Hungry for Love*

Donald Byrd - Danceband *

Rhythm Heritage - The S.W.A.T. TV Theme *

Starsky & Hutch TV Theme *

The Film Cooley High *

SOME ALBUMS

Motown & Non Motown

Some of these are remastered, reissued and

new albums with original tracks

1963 Doin' Mickey's Monkey - The Miracles *

1963 Meet The Tempations The Temptations *

1963 Heat Wave - Martha & The Vandellas *

1963 The Marvelous Marvelettes - The Marvelettes

1964 My Guy - Mary Wells

1964 (Just Like) Romeo & Juliet - The Reflections *

1965 Dance Party - Martha & The Vandellas

1965 Where Did Our Love Go - Supremes *

1965 The Temptin' Temptations - The Temptations *

1965 Shot Gun - Jr Walker & All Stars

1965 Second Album - Four Tops *

1965 Nowhere To Run - Martha & The Vandellas *

1966 Gettin' Ready - Temptations

1966 The Supremes A Go-Go - Supremes *

1966 On Top - Four Tops *

1966 Moods Of Marvin Gaye - Marvin Gaye *

1966 Down to Earth - Stevie Wonder

1966 Uptight Stevie Wonder

1966 Road Runner - Jr Walker & All Stars *

1966 Greatest Hits - Martha & The Vandellas *

1966 Get Ready - Temptations *

1966 Away We A Go-Go - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles *

1966 This Old Heart Of Mine Isley Brothers

1966 Greatest Hits - The Marvelettes *

1967 United - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrill *

1967 Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson non motown

1967 The Supremes Sing Holland-Dozier-Holland - Supremes

1967 Reach Out - Four Tops

1967 With A Lot O' Soul - Temptations *

1967 I Was Made to Love Her Stevie Wonder *

1967 Someday at Christmas Stevie Wonder

1967 Everybody Needs Love - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1968 Your All I Need To Get By - Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrill

1968 Here Comes The Judge - Shorty Long

1968 I Heard It On The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye

1968 Diana Ross/Supremes Join The Tempations - DR & S / Temptations*

1968 Your All I Need - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell *

1968 Greatest Hits Vol. 2 - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles *

1968 Eivets Rednow...Alfie Stevie Wonder

1968 For Once in My Life Stevie Wonder

1968 Greatest Hits Stevie Wonder

1968 Love Child - Diana Ross & Supremes *

1968 Soul Goes On Jerry Butler

1968 Wish It Would Rain The Temptations *

1968 Feelin' Bluesy - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1969 My Whole World Ended - David Ruffin*

1969 Feelin' Good - David Ruffin *

1969 I Heard That! Quincy Jones

1969 Cloud Nine - The Temptations *

1969 Home Cook' Jr Walker & All Stars

1969 My Cherie Amour Stevie Wonder

1969 Nitty Gritty - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1969 Silk N' Soul - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1970 Live at the Talk of the Town Stevie Wonder ?? read comments below

1970 Signed, Sealed & Delivered Stevie Wonder

1970 Stevie Wonder Live Stevie Wonder

1970 Third Album - Jackson 5 *

1970 Diana Ross - Diana Ross *

1970 Second Time Round - The Spinners *

1970 Still Waters Run Deep - The Four Tops *

1970 Gladys Knight & the Pips' Greatest Hits - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1971 Exposed - Valerie Simpson *

1971 What's Going On Marvin Gaye

1971 Where I'm Coming From Stevie Wonder

1971 If I Were You're Woman - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1972 Nature Planned It The Four Tops

1972 Together: The Eastbound Jazz Years Various Artists

1972 Standing Ovation - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1973 Let's Get It On Marvin Gaye

1973 Eddie Kendricks Eddie Kendricks *

1973 Neither One Of Us - Gladys Knight & Pips *

1973 The Power Of Love - Jerry Butler non motown

1974 All The Faces Of Buddy Miles - Buddy Miles non motown

1974 Nobody Does It Like Me - Shirley Bassey non motown

1974 Boogie Down Eddie Kendricks *

1974 Fulfillingness' First Finale Stevie Wonder

1974 Hell up in Harlem Edwin Starr

1974 Instant Coffey Dennis Coffey & Detroit Guitar Band

1974 Live [Motown] Marvin Gaye

1974 Martha Reeves Martha Reeves

1974 Migration Creative Source

1975 Making Music - Bill Withers non motown

1975 Rocket Man - Hugo Montenegro non motown

1975 Home Brew - Arthur Adams

1975 Water & Power Water & Power

1976 Earth Mover Harvey Mason *

1976 Donald Byrd Caricatures *

1976 From Every Stage Joan Baez

1976 Love & Conversation Hamilton, Joe Frank & Dennison

1976 Motion Geoff Muldaur

1976 Pressure Drop Robert Palmer

1976 Put It in Your Ear Paul Butterfield

1976 Right There Lamont Dozier

1977 Looking Back, Anthology - Stevie Wonder *

1977 At Last Dirk Hamilton

1977 Having A Party - The Pointer Sisters non motown

1977 Carnival John Handy

1977 Elementary Wah Wah Watson

1977 Pacific Ocean Blue Dennis Wilson

1977 Shake It Well The Dramatics

1978 Any Way You Want It Deborah Washington

1978 Bonnie Pointer (Red Album) Bonnie Pointer

1978 Land of Passion Hubert Laws

1978 Love Breeze Smokey Robinson

1978 Swing Street Café Joe Sample with David T. Walker

1978 White Room Jimmy Ponder

1979 Bonnie Pointer (Purple Album) Bonnie Pointer

1979 Changing Times The Mighty Clouds of Joy

1979 Shoulda Gone Dancin' High Inergy

1979 Street Life The Crusaders

1979 Turn You to Love Terry Callier

1980 Aretha [1980] Aretha Franklin

1980 Hits! Boz Scaggs

1980 Special Things The Pointer Sisters

1980 The Big Chill (original sound track) Various *

1984 Truly for You The Temptations

1987 Good Morning Vietnam: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Various *

1988 Best of Chess Vocal Groups, Vol. 2 Various Artists

1990 Big Chill: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Plus Additional Classics Various *

1991 The Big Chill: More Songs From The Original Soundtrack Various *

1992 Addictions, Vol. 2 Robert Palmer

1992 Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-197? Various

1993 Express Yourself The Best of: Charles Wright & the Watts Band non motown *

1993 Hum Along and Dance - The Temptations

1993 Starbox Boz Scaggs

1994 35th Anniversary Collection Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

1994 Emperors of Soul The Temptations

1994 Greatest Hits (1980-1994) Aretha Franklin

1995 Anthology, Best of - The Temptations *

1995 Classics Collection Marvin Gaye

1995 Master 1961-1984 Marvin Gaye

1995 Motown Year By Year: The Sound of Young America, 1969 Various

1996 Very Best of the Motorcity Recordings Marv Johnson

1996 Rated X-Traordinaire: The Best of Johnnie Taylor Johnnie Taylor

1997 Forever Yours Marvin Gaye

1997 It Only Takes a Minute: A Lifetime with Tavares Tavares

1997 My Time: The Anthology (1969-1997) Boz Scaggs

1997 Ultimate Collection The Four Tops *

1997 Ultimate Collection Gladys Knight & the Pips *

1997 Ultimate Collection Junior Walker & the All-Stars *

1997 Ultimate Collection Temptations *

1998 The Big Chill: 15th Anniversary: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Various *

1998 The Very Best of Edwin Starr Edwin Starr

1998 Live [Japan] Marvin Gaye *

1998 Ultimate Collection Smokey Robinson & the Miracles *

1998 Ultimate Collection Martha & the Vandellas *

1998 Ultimate Collection The Marvelettes *

1998 Ultimate Collection Mary Wells *

1998 Ultimate Motown Rarities Collection, Vol. 1 Various Artists

1998 Ultimate Rarities Collection, Vol. 1: Motown Sings Various Artists

1999 Motown's Lost & Found:Love Starved Heart ('64- '69) Marvin Gaye *

1999 Motown's Lost & Found: Along Came Love ('58-'64) Smokey Robinson *

1999 Motown's Lost & Found: Breaking Through (1958-1964) The Four Tops *

1999 Motown's Lost and Found: You've Got to Earn It ('62-'68) Temptations *

1999 At the Close of the Century Stevie Wonder

1999 20th Century Masters, The Millennium Collection: The Best of: Four Tops *

1999 20th Century Masters: The Best Of - The Temptations *

2000 Crusaders' Finest Hour The Crusaders

2001 Fourever The Four Tops

2001 Let's Get It On [Deluxe Edition] Marvin Gaye

2001 What's Going On [2001 Deluxe Edition] Marvin Gaye

2002 My Girl: The Very Best of - Temptations *

2002 Best of Both Worlds: The Robert Palmer Anthology Robert Palmer non motown

2003 Chrome Collection The Spinners

2003 Complete A&M Recordings Joan Baez

2003 D & B Together [Bonus Tracks] Delaney & Bonnie and Friends

2003 Let's Get It On [Bonus Tracks] Marvin Gaye

2003 Marvin Gaye Collection Marvin Gaye

2003 What's Going On [Bonus Tracks] Marvin Gaye

2004 David: Unreleased LP & More David Ruffin

2004 Face to Face With the Truth The Undisputed Truth

2004 Standing in the Shadows of Motown: Deluxe Ed Original Soundtrack

2004 Real Thing Houston Person non motown

2004 50th Anniversary Anthology Four Tops *

2004 The Best of Marvin Gaye(Motown Anthology Series) Marvin Gaye*

2005 Gold [Original recording remastered] Marvin Gaye*

2006 Finally Got It Right Charles Wright & the 103rd Street Band* non motown —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.4.212.28 (talk) 19:36, 7 March 2008 (UTC)

this sentence here:
He eventually performed on nearly 30 No. 1 pop hits -- surpassing the record commonly attributed to The Beatles. On the R&B charts, nearly 70 of his performances went to the top.

what means nearly, please some real proof, because paul mccartney performed on 29 number one singles, 20 with the beatles and 9 by himself, measured by the american top 100 charts.

so, give credit where credit is deserved. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.173.224.53 (talk) 22:20, 16 March 2010 (UTC)

"with the Beatles" I still think 29 is less than thirty. the nine McCartney played on his own records are clearly not part of the statement. At best it implies a tie.(BassLand) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.91.240.74 (talk) 14:55, 27 August 2010 (UTC)

Birth Year
His tombstone lists his birth year as 1939, not 1936, so he was 45 when he died. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.10.55.53 (talk) 01:16, 25 July 2012 (UTC)

His instruments
There is a belief that Jamerson played three different Fender Precision basses: The 1957 ‘black beauty’; the 1961/62 with a ‘sunburst’ finish, the Fender "spaghetti logo", "clay dots" (and a chipped “tortoise shell” pick guard in some photos); and the 1964/66 bass with a different ‘sunburst’ finish, the Fender "transitional logo", "pearloid dots", and a “chunkier" pattern on the "tortoise shell" Pick guard. All three were stolen. I am looking for proper sources to cite. Design (talk) 07:51, 4 April 2016 (UTC)
 * All three basses are clearly identifiable from photos, by those who know details of the changing cosmetic aspects of Fender basses. Currently this article, and other sources, only discuss the 1957 and 1961/62 basses, and claim the 1961/62 bass was the one which was inscribed “Funk Machine”. The “Funk Machine” is more likely to be the 1964/66 bass. Design (talk) 23:29, 5 February 2019 (UTC)
 * Bammesk maybe you can find a proper source for the “three basses”? It would be great to correct the record (as I understand it). Design (talk) 21:28, 15 April 2019 (UTC)
 * Design, the 1957-Precision and the "Funk Machine" are already properly sourced in the article. The third instrument is most likely this: Link 1, Link 2, a 1961-Precision auctioned in 2017 for $68,750. Jamerson had it until around 1968, then he gave it to bassist Billy Hayes. It looks similar to the "Funk Machine". Obviously it wouldn't have "FUNK" carved on the back. I will add this instrument to the article later. Here are my unsourced speculations, they won't be added to the article:
 * Speculation 1: Sources say he was particular about his instruments, didn't modify them or change strings, didn't do much maintenance in order not to change the sound, he tried to emulate the sound of an upright bass. The famed "funk machine" was his primary instrument for quality work. His previous instrument, the 1957-Precision, was stolen, so he likely kept a backup instrument for use on the road and live shows, where there is chance of damage and loss. The instrument auctioned in 2017 is his backup (secondary) bass and was given to Hayes. It makes sense that he would keep his primary instrument (the "funk machine").
 * Speculation 2: A few days ago I added a "sunburst Precision" in Jamerson's article and stated it was stolen, per Slutsky's book. Slutsky's work is partly based on interviews with Jamerson's friends and colleagues. There is a chance the oral accounts aren't perfect. Perhaps the so-called-stolen "sunburst Precision" wasn't stolen, perhaps that is the instrument which was auctioned in 2017 (his secondary instrument).
 * Bammesk (talk) 01:40, 16 April 2019 (UTC)


 * Hi Bammesk, thanks for your reply. As you say the 1957, the 1961/62, and the 1962 Hayes bass are all sourced. The issue is that there is ‘original research’ on several internet bass forums such as ‘Talk Bass’(https://www.talkbass.com/threads/james-jamerons-funk-machine-wrong-year.1185714/)  that show photographic evidence of a 1964/66 bass that is MORE LIKELY to be the ‘Funk Machine’ bass.  The Slutksy book does not mention this mid-60s bass, and, I think, incorrectly identifies the 61/62 bass as the ‘Funk Machine’. I think this ‘original research’ is credible and have been waiting for it to be discussed or reported in a citable publication. Additionally, if Slutsky’s book is wrong about this then it may have lessened the chances of the 61/62 and the 64/66 basses of being found. Design (talk) 12:46, 17 April 2019 (UTC)
 * Design, I don't have anything to offer on that, but I keep that in mind as I search though. Cheers. Bammesk (talk) 00:52, 18 April 2019 (UTC)
 * Design, this Oct. 2018 writing addresses your points: . Bammesk (talk) 20:28, 28 April 2019 (UTC)
 * Design, waybacktimes.com isn't a reliable source on music, author writes: "my own conclusions", which is opinion, not fact. Bammesk (talk) 01:30, 2 May 2019 (UTC)
 * Bammesk, Thanks for your efforts. I hope reliable sources will emerge in future. Design (talk) 04:33, 20 November 2020 (UTC)

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville has a 1961 p-bass on display that they say is Jamerson’s! It is the one with the chipped pickguard and clay dots! You can see it in the display case on the Museum’s homepage. Design (talk) 07:35, 3 May 2021 (UTC)
 * It matches the 2017 auctioned instrument noted above. I updated the article. Bammesk (talk) 01:16, 27 July 2023 (UTC)

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List of bassists influenced by Jamerson
This list seems far too long. Perhaps we can come up with some criteria to get it down to a manageable size? Dlabtot (talk) 17:33, 14 June 2017 (UTC)

RfC - age of James Jamerson at his death.
According to his New York Times obituary, he died in 1983 at the age of 45. It doesn't list a date of birth.

According to his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame biography, he was born in 1936, and died in 1983 at the age of 47.

What should the article say? PS - be sure to read the threaded discussion below. Dlabtot (talk) 01:48, 24 June 2017 (UTC)

Survey

 * Born in 1936, died in 1983. Isaidnoway (talk)  19:41, 22 June 2017 (UTC)
 * Both: "Born in either 1936 or 1938, and died in 1983." That accounts vary just is for some folks, and unless you can find a third source which explains the existence of two dates or have overwhelming predominance of one so the other appears to be an outlier error or typo, simply show the fact of discrepancies.  Other folks have been known to under-report their age (e.g. actress to get parts), or to over-report (here, perhaps to join WW I before legitimate), but there may be a later interview that explains things.  Markbassett (talk) 23:54, 22 June 2017 (UTC)
 * When two reliable sources offer competing dates of birth, report them both (as Markbassett indicated). See Betty Shabazz for an example where I did this. — Malik Shabazz Talk/Stalk 00:57, 23 June 2017 (UTC)
 * b 36 d 83 per the source below.  d.g. L3X1  (distænt write)   )evidence(  13:58, 23 June 2017 (UTC)
 * Report both, until further evidence arises. Design (talk) 00:37, 24 June 2017 (UTC)
 * Both, per the above. This is standard operating procedure, until (if ever) a preponderance of independent reliable sources are found to favor a particular date, or new investigation by credible sources debunks the alternative date. — SMcCandlish ☺ ☏ ¢ ≽ʌⱷ҅ᴥⱷʌ≼ 00:03, 25 June 2017 (UTC)
 * b. 1936 The discussion below makes it clear that the 1936 date is correct, and the 1938 date is a known error.  --DavidK93 (talk) 14:29, 27 June 2017 (UTC)
 *  b. 1936 the preponderance of the sources below show that this is the least likely to be incorrect way to represent his year of birth.·maunus · snunɐɯ· 16:36, 27 June 2017 (UTC)
 * 1936 on 31 January per government records (Social Security Death Index is fairly widely used for such data). {"United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V9M1-LZ6 : 20 May 2014), James Jamerson, Aug 1983; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).   Collect (talk) 13:17, 28 June 2017 (UTC)
 * Both - "Born in either 1936 or 1938, and died in 1983." per . Me-123567-Me (talk) 13:06, 11 July 2017 (UTC)
 * Born 1936 - Overwhelming number of RSs in favour of '36 in the thread below. In addition, Collect's family search result clinches it. Normally we don't like to use primary sources but US Social Security birth data is hard to misinterpret. Jschnur (talk) 05:15, 19 July 2017 (UTC)

Threaded discussion
If anyone has access to a copy of Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson, I would consider that a definitive source. Dlabtot (talk) 21:42, 21 June 2017 (UTC)
 * I accessed it through Google Books, it says (Part 1: Funky Beginnings, page 3): James' original birthdate was January 29, 1938, but in the late seventies, after seeing his birth certificate for the first time, he discovered, much to his dismay, that he had lost two years out of his life. He was actually born on January 29, 1936.
 * On another note, this article states that: Long troubled by alcoholism, Jamerson died of complications stemming from cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure and pneumonia on August 2, 1983, in Los Angeles at the age of 45, and uses The New York Times obit to support that sentence, but the obit from the NYT actually says - A coroner's spokesman attributed Mr. Jamerson's death, at the University of Southern California Medical Center at Los Angeles County General Hospital, to natural causes. Isaidnoway (talk)  19:39, 22 June 2017 (UTC)


 * Additional sources for 1936:
 * Greenville News
 * Detroit Rock and Roll Magazine
 * Detroit Metro Times
 * Fender Bass Player
 * Music Radar
 * Charleston Jazz Initiative
 * USA Today
 * South Carolina Encyclopedia
 * Motown Encyclopedia
 * The Bass Book
 * Funk Guitar and Bass: Know the Players, Play the Music
 * R&B Bass Masters: The Way They Play
 * The Quest for the Melodic Electric Bass: From Jamerson to Spenner Isaidnoway (talk)  16:47, 25 June 2017 (UTC)

Pre-closure questions
In light of the bunch of sources mentioned in the sub-section just above, would anyone of like to reconsider their !votes? Winged Blades Godric  10:54, 13 August 2017 (UTC)


 * I suggest use the actual quote from the book Standing in the Shadows of Motown that says Jamerson discovered late in life the 1936 date.Design (talk) 11:29, 13 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Unchanged. L3X1 (distænt write)   )evidence(  13:24, 13 August 2017 (UTC)
 * As Design suggested, I would recommend including 1936 and adding a content note about the confusion, with the quote from Standing in the Shadows of Motown. — Malik Shabazz Talk/Stalk 16:22, 13 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Yep, that works for me, too. It's more encyclopedically informative anyway, since it informs our readers why there's any question about the matter.  — SMcCandlish ☺ ☏ ¢ ≽ʌⱷ҅ᴥⱷʌ≼  22:00, 13 August 2017 (UTC)

Article rating
I revised article's rating (version) to B-class per ores. Bammesk (talk) 16:53, 20 April 2019 (UTC)

List of credits section
I removed a recent addition in this diff, see edit summary. A discography type of list belongs in its own article. He very likely has over 500 credits. Motown released 537 singles in 1960s. He performed on most of these. His credits also include album releases, non-Motown recordings, and his 1970s and early-1980s recordings. Sidenote on the added list: Gloria Gaynor album was by his son, Boz Scaggs and Ben E. King albums are in , , , , others are noted in ricksuchow.com. Bammesk (talk) 02:34, 7 February 2020 (UTC)

He used one finger.
But did he actually only use one finger? 69.206.130.192 (talk) 04:41, 26 May 2023 (UTC)

The Funk Machine, maybe not a '62
I don't know if there is a reliable source we can cite for this, it's quite late and I'm quite tired, but some people familiar with Fender basses have identified that The Funk Machine is probably not a 1962 model, but rather either a '64, '65, or '66 based on both photographs and statements made by Jamerson about it being new when he got it alongside reports from others that he got it in 1966.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/james-jamerons-funk-machine-wrong-year.1185714/ 2A02:C7C:C4CD:A500:A4AA:31A2:FA81:F794 (talk) 22:22, 29 October 2023 (UTC)


 * to add on:
 * Although I don't see any particular evidence in the source supporting this additional theory, one (terrible website) source suggests there were two guitars known as The Funk Machine, the first was a '60 bought in '60 which was stolen 6 years later, being replaced by a '66 which Jamerson then wrote 'Funk' into the heel. https://www.waybacktimes.com/music/the-genius-of-james-jamerson/ - It'd seem the '60 Funk Machine being referred to is actually the '61 bass that Hayes sold at auction?
 * It's a pretty poor quality source there and giving evidence to the theory is entirely OR/SYNTH on my part here, I don't know if a good source has reported this or not, but it would make sense. 2A02:C7C:C4CD:A500:A4AA:31A2:FA81:F794 (talk) 22:30, 29 October 2023 (UTC)