Fred Wesley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fred Wesley
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| Background information | |
| Born | July 4, 1943 Columbus, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | Funk, P-Funk, soul, R&B, soul jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trombone |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Associated acts | James Brown, The J.B.'s, Parliament-Funkadelic, Soulive |
Fred Wesley is an American trombonist born on July 4, 1943. He is famous for his work with music legends like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic. He helped shape the sound of funk music in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Fred Wesley's Early Life and Music Journey
Wesley was born in Columbus, Georgia. His father was a high school teacher and led a big band. Fred grew up in Mobile, Alabama. As a child, he learned to play piano and trumpet.
When he was about 12, his father brought home a trombone. Fred quickly switched to the trombone and made it his main instrument.
Working with James Brown
In the 1960s and 1970s, Fred Wesley became a very important part of James Brown's bands. He played on many hit songs. These included "Say it Loud – I'm Black, and I'm Proud" and "Mother Popcorn." He also helped write songs like "Hot Pants."
Fred's smooth musical phrases, called riffs, and clear solo performances were key. They worked perfectly with saxophonist Maceo Parker's playing. Together, they gave James Brown's R&B, soul, and funk songs their powerful sound.
In the 1970s, Fred also led James Brown's band, the J.B.'s. He was their musical director and helped create many of their songs. The J.B.'s song "Doing It to Death" sold over a million copies. It even earned a gold disc award in 1973.
Joining Parliament-Funkadelic
In 1975, Fred left James Brown's band. He then spent several years playing with George Clinton's groups. These groups were known as Parliament-Funkadelic.
Becoming a Jazz Star
Fred Wesley became a big name in jazz music in 1978. He joined the famous Count Basie Orchestra. He released his first jazz album as a leader, To Someone, in 1988. He continued to release more jazz albums, including New Friends and Amalgamation.
In the early 1990s, Fred toured with his friends from James Brown's band. These were Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker. They called themselves the JB Horns. Later, after Pee Wee Ellis left, the group became the Maceo Parker Band. Fred played trombone with Parker until 1996. Then, he started his own band, which is now called Fred Wesley and the New JBs.
He also recorded an album called West Coast Boogaloo with San Diego soul-jazz group The Greyboy Allstars in 1994. He toured with them several times.
Other Musical Works and Teaching
Fred Wesley has played with and arranged music for many other artists. These include Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, Van Morrison, and De La Soul. Many musicians have also used parts of his music in their own songs.
In 2002, Fred wrote a book about his life called Hit Me, Fred: Recollections of a Sideman. It tells stories about his career as a musician who plays with other artists.
From 2004 to 2006, Fred taught jazz at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Now, he visits many schools, like Berklee College of Music, to work with music students. He also tours with a group called Abraham Inc. This group combines different music styles, including Klezmer and hip-hop.
In 2007, Fred helped create a tribute album for Fats Domino. He worked with artists like Lenny Kravitz and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. In 2010, he also worked with the Israeli funk band the Apples on their album Kings.
Fred Wesley has released many albums as a leader and played on countless others as a sideman. His music has influenced many artists around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Fred Wesley para niños
Images for kids
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Fred Wesley backstage in Cologne, Germany, 1998.
