James Jamerson Jr. facts for kids

James Jamerson Jr. (born August 24, 1957 – died March 23, 2016) was a super talented American bass guitar player. He was known as a "studio musician," which means he played on many, many songs for different artists without being a main member of their band. For over 30 years, he played bass for famous musicians like Bob Dylan, Tavares, and The Temptations.

A Musical Life: James Jamerson Jr.

James Jamerson Jr. was born in Detroit, a city famous for its music. His dad was James Jamerson, who was also a legendary bass player. His father was a key member of Motown's famous house band, called The Funk Brothers. They played on countless hit songs for Motown Records.

In the early 1970s, James Jamerson Jr. became a very popular "session bassist." This means many music artists wanted him to play bass on their albums. Over the next 30 years, he played on studio albums for huge stars like Janet Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and Aretha Franklin.

In the late 1970s, he started a disco music group called Chanson with guitarist David Williams. They had one song that became a hit! It was called "Don't Hold Back." In 1979, this song reached number 21 on the Billboard music chart in the United States and number 18 in Canada.

Sadly, James Jamerson Jr. passed away in Detroit on March 23, 2016. He was 58 years old. He had been sick for many years with a condition called ankylosing spondylitis, which affects the spine.

Albums James Jamerson Jr. Played On

Here are some of the albums where James Jamerson Jr. played his amazing bass guitar:

With Tavares

• Check It Out (1974)

With Sylvester

• Step II (1978)

With High Inergy

• Shoulda Gone Dancin' (1979)

With The Crusaders with B.B. King and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

• Royal Jam (1981)

With Janet Jackson

• Janet Jackson (1982)

With DeBarge

• In a Special Way (1983)

With Smokey Robinson

• Touch the Sky (1983)

With Teena Marie

• Starchild (1984)

With The Temptations

• Truly for You (1984)

With Philip Bailey

• The Wonders of His Love (1985)

With Bob Dylan

• Knocked Out Loaded (1986)

With Aretha Franklin

• Aretha (1986)

With Wayne Kramer

• The Hard Stuff (1995)