In Memoriam: Morris “B.B.” Dickerson

Another giant of the bass has left us. Morris “B.B.” Dickerson, who co-founded the band War, passed away after a long illness. He was 71 years old.

Dickerson was born in Torrance, California, and picked up the bass at 12 years old. Before starting War, he played in a band called The Creators with his uncle Howard E. Scott. That group would split, though his uncle played in a band called Nightshift. Dickerson joined that group, which turned into the original lineup of War with Eric Burdon.

Dickerson’s compelling bass lines helped to score the band multiple hits including “The Cisco Kid,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider,” and more. He also sang lead vocal on the title track to their top-charting album, The World Is A Ghetto.

Dickerson left War in 1979, but would later join band alumni to create the Lowrider Band and continue touring the music he helped create.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Morris “B.B.” Dickerson.