Victor Bailey (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Victor Bailey
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Bailey in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Born | March 27, 1960 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 11, 2016 (aged 56) Stafford, Virginia, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass |
| Years active | 1980–2016 |
| Labels | Atlantic, Zebra, ESC, Chesky |
Victor Bailey (March 27, 1960 – November 11, 2016) was an amazing American bass guitar player. He was famous for his unique "scat-bass" solos, where he would play his bass like a singer. Victor was the main bassist for the legendary band Weather Report from 1982 to 1986. After that, he started his own successful solo music career in 1988.
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Victor Bailey's Life Story
Victor Randall Bailey was born in Philadelphia on March 27, 1960. He grew up in a very musical family. His dad, Morris Bailey Jr., was a musician and composer. His uncle, Donald "Duck" Bailey, was a jazz drummer. He played on many famous records with artists like Dizzy Gillespie.
Early Musical Journey
When Victor was a kid, he first played the drums. But one day, the bass player in his neighborhood band left practice. Victor decided to try the bass guitar instead. He loved it right away! His father encouraged him to become a bass player.
In 1978, at age 18, Victor went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He couldn't join the navy because of his asthma, so he focused on music.
Health Challenges and Legacy
Like his father, Victor lived with a condition called Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. This disease slowly weakens muscles over time. As it got worse, Victor started using a cane to help him walk.
Eventually, the weakness spread to his upper body. Because of this, he had to stop performing and teaching at Berklee College of Music in 2015. Victor passed away on November 11, 2016, in Stafford, Virginia. His health issues likely caused his death.
Victor played a special 1986 Pensa-Suhr J-4 koa bass. He also used a fretless Ibanez Roadstar. These instruments were later sold at an auction. His J-4 bass sold for over $10,000!
Playing with Weather Report
Victor made many important contributions as the main bassist for the American jazz fusion band Weather Report. He played on four of their studio albums between 1983 and 1986.
Fender, a well-known guitar company, even released a Victor Bailey Signature acoustic bass guitar. They also made a Victor Bailey Jazz Bass in his honor. These basses came in different versions, including 4 or 5 strings, and fretted or fretless. Victor also used Markbass amplifiers for his sound.
Victor Bailey's Music
Victor Bailey released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his most well-known works.
Albums as a Leader
These are albums where Victor was the main artist or worked as a co-leader.
- Bottom's Up (1989)
- Petite Blonde (1992) – with Dennis Chambers, Mitch Forman, Chuck Loeb, and Bill Evans
- Low Blow (1999)
- That's Right! (2001)
- Electric (2005) – with Larry Coryell and Lenny White
- Traffic (2006) – with Larry Coryell and Lenny White
- Slippin' 'n' Trippin' (2009)
Albums as a Band Member
Victor was a key member of these famous bands.
Weather Report
- Procession (1983)
- Domino Theory (1984)
- Sportin' Life (1985)
- This Is This! (1986)
Steps Ahead
- Magnetic (1986)
- Vibe (1995)
Albums as a Sideman
Victor also played bass for many other artists as a supporting musician.
- Michael Brecker, Now You See It... (Now You Don't) (1990)
- Omar Hakim, Rhythm Deep (1989)
- Urban Knights, Urban Knights I (1995)
