Chuck Rainey’s Autobiography Traces a Lifetime of Iconic Bass Lines and Music History
As one of the most prolific bassists of all time, Chuck Rainey has plenty of stories to tell. Many have come out through interviews like our Stories Behind the Songs feature, but now the session great is telling his own story in a new autobiography. Joy and Precious Memories: A History of Pop Music Told Through the Eyes of an Electric Bass Player details Rainey’s unique perspective of the growth of popular music as well as the history of the electric bass.
“Whether it involves playing in an early band with Jimi Hendrix (then known as Jimmy James), recording some of Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits, playing on numerous famous TV shows, or touring the world with some of our most celebrated artists from that era, this book provides readers with a rare and personal glimpse into the moments that shaped the life of one of the most influential electric bass players on the planet,” the book’s description explains.
Rainey grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and began playing trumpet before switching to guitar and ultimately bass. In 1962, he moved to New York City and landed a gig with R&B sax legend King Curtis. His career quickly took off and led to studio work where he has played on over 1,000 albums. His iconic bass lines include Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady”, Steely Dan’s “Peg”, The Young Rascals’ “Groovin”, and many more. His playing helped to shape the way we play bass today.
“Chuck Rainey played electric bass on many of the songs that scored the soundtrack of my life, and I’m convinced there’s no way we could’ve made the advances we’ve made in music and the bass without musicians like Mr. Rainey,” Victor Wooten states. “He’s the teacher, we’re the students, and all current and future bassists stand on the shoulders of people like him.”
Joy and Precious Memories was edited by Rod Taylor (who also wrote our Stories Behind the Songs feature) and includes a foreword by Victor Wooten. The 521-page book is available now in Hardcover and paperback through Amazon.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
Finally…recognition as the Real Godfather of the fender bass is recognized for his worth and excellence in producing the element that moves a song and the pleasure for me. I have a personal relationship with Chuck and he epitomizes
greatness with every breath he takes and every note he plays…..GROOVE MEISTER
Washington Rucker