Nathan Watts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathan Watts
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Nathan Watts performing at the White House (2009).
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nathan Lamar Watts |
| Born | March 25, 1954 Detroit, Michigan, US |
| Genres | Funk, soul, R&B, rock and roll |
| Occupations | Musician, musical director |
| Instruments | Bass, keyboards |
| Associated acts | Stevie Wonder |
Nathan Lamar Watts (born March 25, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan) is a talented American session bassist. He is most famous for his work with the legendary musician Stevie Wonder. Nathan has played with Stevie Wonder since the 1970s. Since 1994, he has also been Stevie Wonder's musical director. This means he helps lead the band and organize the music.
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Nathan Watts's Early Life and Music Journey
Nathan Watts was born in Detroit, a city famous for its music. He started playing the trumpet in elementary school. He was inspired by a trumpet player named Lee Morgan. Nathan was part of a music trio with other future famous musicians. These included Ray Parker Jr. on clarinet and Ollie Brown on drums.
They often visited Motown's Hitsville Studios. There, they watched rehearsals and recordings of The Funk Brothers. This was the main band for the Motown record label. When Ray Parker Jr. switched from clarinet to guitar, he encouraged Nathan to try the bass guitar.
Nathan started playing bass right after high school in 1972. His first bass was a National Bass. He learned songs like "Cold Sweat" by James Brown. Soon, he began studying the music of great bassists. These included James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, and Bob Babbitt.
When Ray Parker Jr. joined Marvin Gaye's band, Nathan joined a local group called the Final Decision. He also thought about studying accounting. This was his backup plan if music didn't work out.
Playing with Stevie Wonder
In August 1974, Nathan Watts got a big call. He was asked to play with Stevie Wonder. He was replacing Reggie McBride, who had joined another band. At this time, Nathan had only been playing bass for two years!
He was chosen as the official bassist for Stevie Wonder's band. Nathan then went on a tour in Japan in 1975. After that, he started recording the famous album Songs in the Key of Life.
Nathan has said that he recorded many bass parts for Stevie Wonder's demo songs. Sometimes, Stevie Wonder would later replace these with his own keyboard bass for the final versions. This happened with songs like “Knocks Me Off My Feet″ and ″Isn't She Lovely″. Nathan Watts has continued his successful music career. He has played with Stevie Wonder and many other artists.
Nathan Watts's Musical Style
Nathan Watts grew up listening to many different types of music. He enjoyed the Funk Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, and Steppenwolf. His three biggest influences as a bassist are James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, and Joseph "Lucky" Scott. Scott was the bassist for Curtis Mayfield.
Nathan's playing style is special. He uses three fingers on his right hand. He also plays notes with a strong attack. He often uses techniques like palm mute, hammer-ons, trills, and slides. These techniques make his bass lines sound unique.
He has had a very important career with Stevie Wonder. He recorded bass lines for classic songs like "I Wish", "As", "I Ain't Gonna Stand for It", and "Do I Do". These are some of his favorite bass lines.
Nathan has worked with Stevie Wonder for over 36 years. He has also been the band's musical director for 12 years. In 2010, he received the International Bassist Award from the Winter NAMM Show. This award celebrates a musician's achievements throughout their career.
Nathan Watts's Instruments and Gear
Throughout his career, Nathan Watts has used several main instruments. These include his 1974 Fender Precision Bass and his 1979 Music Man StingRay. He has also played a Fender Jazz Bass and basses from Yamaha, Aria, and B.C. Rich. He uses both four and five-string basses.
When he is touring, he often uses Bossa basses. These are custom-made five-string basses in red, black, and green, and a four-string blue one. These give him a modern sound. In the studio, he uses Alleva-Coppolo basses. He also uses Elixir Nanoweb strings. For his sound, he uses Hartke Hydrive amplifiers and LH1000 heads. Before using Hartke, he used National and SWR amplifiers.
Nathan Watts's Music Recordings
Nathan Watts has played on many albums throughout his career. Here are some of the albums he recorded with Stevie Wonder:
- 1976 – Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder
- 1979 – Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants – Stevie Wonder
- 1980 – Hotter Than July – Stevie Wonder
- 1982 – Original Musiquarium I – Stevie Wonder
- 1984 – The Woman in Red – Stevie Wonder
- 1987 – Characters – Stevie Wonder
- 1991 – Jungle Fever – Stevie Wonder
- 1995 – Conversation Peace – Stevie Wonder
- 1995 – Natural Wonder – Stevie Wonder
- 2005 – A Time To Love – Stevie Wonder
He has also played with many other artists, including:
- 1977 – Funk in a Mason Jar – Harvey Mason
- 1978 – Destiny – The Jacksons
- 1980 – Let's Get Serious – Jermaine Jackson
- 1982 – Lionel Richie – Lionel Richie
- 1983 – Pipes of Peace – Paul McCartney
- 1991 – Force Behind the Power – Diana Ross
See also
In Spanish: Nathan Watts para niños
