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In Memoriam - Page 23

In Memoriam: Pete Stevens, Co-Founder of Wal Basses

In Memoriam: Pete Stevens, Co-Founder of Wal Basses

Pete Stevens, co-founder of Wal Basses, has passed away at the age of 65. The announcement came from the Wal Bass website. “It is with deepest sadness that we must pass on the news that Pete ‘The Fish’ Stevens, co-founder of Wal Bass Guitars,” the company stated. “As many in the Wal family will know, Pete had suffered from chronic...

In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2011

In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2011

Charles Fambrough January 1, 2011 Charles Fambrough, jazz bassist. Fambrough’s credits include working with Grover Washington, Jr., Airto Moreira, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, and more. Mick Karn January 4, 2011 Mick Karn, former Japan bassist. Karn’s fretless bass and interesting, angular playing style left an impression on bassists around the world. Phil Kennemore January 7, 2011 Phil Kennemore, bassist for...

In Memoriam: Jody Rainwater

In Memoriam: Jody Rainwater

Bluegrass legend Jody Rainwater has passed away at the age of 92. Born Charles Edward Johnson, the bassist was an early and influential member of the Foggy Mountain Boys, headed by Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. Scruggs and Flatt formed the Foggy Mountain Boys in 1949 and originally turned to Rainwater to be their booking agent. When founding bassist Cedric...

In Memoriam: Dan “Bee” Spears, Willie Nelson’s Longtime Bassist

In Memoriam: Dan “Bee” Spears, Willie Nelson’s Longtime Bassist

We’re sad to report the passing of Dan “Bee” Spears, the longtime bassist for Willie Nelson’s Family Band. Spears performed with Nelson on albums including Stardust, The Troublemaker, Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger and others. The Austin American-Statesman reported that Spears fell as he exited his motor home, and died due to exposure. He was 62. “We are deeply saddened...

In Memoriam: Mikey Welsh

In Memoriam: Mikey Welsh

Former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh passed away Saturday, October 8th in his Chicago hotel room, according to police. Welsh, who was a part of the group from 1998 to 2001, found a second career as an artist after his departure. During his tenure, Weezer recorded their self titled green album, which included the hits “Hash Pipe,” “Island in the Sun”...

In Memoriam: Graham Collier

In Memoriam: Graham Collier

British jazz bassist and composer Graham Collier has passed away at the age of 74. After three years as a musician in the British Army, he won a Down Beat magazine scholarship to Berklee School of Music, where he became it’s first British graduate in 1963. Collier’s lifelong career included 19 albums of his original works, his last being 2009’s...

In Memoriam: Laurie McAllister

In Memoriam: Laurie McAllister

Laurie McAllister, who played bass in the final lineup of the iconic all-girl rock band the Runaways, has passed away at the age of 54. McAllister joined the Runaways in November 1978, replacing Victory Blue and becoming the 6th bassist in the band’s four year history. On her Facebook page, she listed her time in the band as the “Best...

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In Memoriam: Marshall Grant

In Memoriam: Marshall Grant

Marhsall Grant, the bassist in Johnny Cash’s original backing duo The Tennessee Two, has passed away at the age of 83. Grant was instrumental in Cash’s sound and success, as he also served as Cash’s road manager until 1980. Grant’s playing became an integral role in the “boom-chicka-boom” sound, which shaped a whole style of country and rockabilly music. Born...

In Memoriam: Rob Grill

In Memoriam: Rob Grill

Rob Grill, bassist and singer for the 60’s rock group The Grass Roots, has passed away at the age of 67 after suffering a stroke. Grill joined Grass Roots in 1967 after Kenny Fukomoto was drafted into the Army. Grill ended up sticking with the group, picking up singing duties in addition the laying down the low end. During it’s...

In Memoriam: Jess Oliver

In Memoriam: Jess Oliver

Bass amp innovator and former Ampeg Vice President Jess Oliver has passed away at the age of 85. Among his many contributions to the bass world was the Ampeg B-15, a portable flip-top design that revolutionized bass amplification. Born Oliver Jespersen in 1926, Oliver was drafted into World War II in 1944 and played bass in the Army band after...

RIP: Gerard Smith

RIP: Gerard Smith

TV On The Radio bassist Gerard Smith passed away yesterday, following his battle with lung cancer. He was 34. The news came via an announcement from the band. “We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer,” the band said in a statement. “Gerard passed away...

RIP Jet Harris

RIP Jet Harris

UK bass pioneer Terence “Jet” Harris has passed away at the age of 71, after a two-year battle with cancer. Harris is often credited as being the first British bass guitarist, and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Fender for popularizing the instrument in Britain. Harris’s career includes several hits with the instrumental group the Shadows in the late...