James Jamerson to be inducted in Fender Hall of Fame

Fender Hall of FameLegendary Motown bassist James Jamerson is to be inducted into the Fender Hall of Fame on August 7, 2009 held at the Tempe Center of the Arts in Tempe, Ariz. The Fender Hall of Fame was created in 2007 and has celebrated artists, innovators, leaders, and historically significant contributors to the Fender legacy annually as part of Fender’s missions to commemorating inspirational musicians.

Jamerson is an iconic Fender bassist, playing his legendary 1962 Three-Color Sunburst Fender Precision Bass, known as “The Funk Machine,” in the 1960s and ‘70s playing with Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye.

“FMIC is delighted to celebrate our third-annual Fender Hall of Fame event honoring two incredible contributors to music history,” said Bill Mendello, chief executive officer and chairman of the board for FMIC. “These two men comprising the class of 2009 represent what Fender is all about—passion and innovation both musically and professionally. It is a privilege to officially inaugurate these men into the Fender Hall of Fame.”

The induction is scheduled for 4 – 5pm at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Each inductee is honored with a video presentation about their achievements and contributions to the Fender community.

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Leave a Reply to Anthony "Ant" McKnight Cancel reply

  1. I am so happy for James Jamerson. His name and musicianship will never be forgotten
    !

  2. Chris Maury

    Long live James Jamerson, the Godfather of Groove. A true American original.

  3. Virgil Walker

    As a bassist, I cannot think of a bassist in the R&B genre, who has had an impact on music more than Jamerson. He never over played, his timing was impeccable and his musicality was un-matched. What’s really disappointing is that he never received the notoreity and respect that he desrved, while alive. I applaud Fender.

  4. Virgil Walker

    As a bassist, I cannot think of a bassist in the R&B genre, who has had an impact on music more than Jamerson. He never over played, his timing was impeccable and his musicality was un-matched. What’s really disappointing is that he never received the notoreity and respect that he desrved, while alive. I applaud Fender.

  5. I am so proud to hear the news that James Jamerson is going into the “Fender’s Hall of Fame”, I only wished that he was still with us so that he could see just what kind of a MUSICAL IMPACT that he shared with all of us and the World. Thank You Fender for James Jamerson & Family.

    Anthony “Ant” McKnight

  6. I am so proud to hear the news that James Jamerson is going into the “Fender’s Hall of Fame”, I only wished that he was still with us so that he could see just what kind of a MUSICAL IMPACT that he shared with all of us and the World. Thank You Fender for James Jamerson & Family.

    Anthony “Ant” McKnight

  7. I will be there!!!

  8. Thank you so much Fender, being from Detroit,James was the Motown Sound,I luckily recorded two songs with him in the late seventiers in LA,he was truly the best.I hope the RocknRoll Hall recognizes him soon also!

    Robbie Hilliard

  9. Sorry,forgot the RR Hall honored him in 2000.

  10. basshardt

    If ANYONE deserves to be honored in such a way , it's James !

  11. basshardt

    If ANYONE deserves to be honored in such a way , it's James !

  12. any and EVERY bass player of the last 50 years(including Jaco)owes a MONSTEROUS debt of gratitude to the Maestro James Jamerson, Sr.!

  13. there is a autographed check signed by James Jamerson on Ebay a piece of history.