Motown Bassist James Jamerson's German Upright Bass

No bassist has done more for and with popular music than James Jamerson. While his name may not be known by the countless millions of fans of his playing, his sound and style have influenced every player to pick up the instrument since Motown's first hit record.

(James Jamerson in session with Stevie Wonder)

This instrument was James Jamerson's personal upright bass. He purchased it in 1957 and used it in Detroit's jazz clubs while honing his style, on tour with Smokey Robinson, and on countless classic Motown recordings that play somewhere in the world every second of every day. Enduring hits by Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, and others were created using this instrument. In later years James Jamerson, Jr continued to use this bass, playing it on further hits. This bass was last played in the film documentary 'Standing in the Shadows of Motown.' The bass is in the same condition as when James Jamerson last used it, including the set of strings.

(James Jamerson, the bass, and Mary Wells)

James Jamerson passed away in 1983. He was among the first group of sidemen inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. This February he receives the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award along with his fellow members of Motown's house band, known as The Funk Brothers.