In Memoriam: T.M. Stevens

Another bass great has left us. T.M. Stevens has died after a long illness. He was 72 years old.

Born in New York City, Stevens was studying biology in school, but at the suggestion of his professor decided to drop out to focus on music. He got his musical “schooling” by playing after hours clubs around the city. As he became established on the scene he became a session musician.

Stevens was a unique player that was comfortable and excelled in a wide range of genres. As such, he played with an incredible list of musicians. In 1978, he participated in a recording session with Miles Davis. He played with James Brown on the album Gravity, which includes the song “Living in America.” He played on Steve Vai’s Sex & Religion and on Get Close by the Pretenders. He had stints with people from Joe Cocker to Tina Turner to Billy Joel.

His range is mind-boggling, but he stayed humble.

“I’ve had a strange career,” Stevens told Bass Guitar Magazine. “I’ve played with everybody from Tina Turner to Al Di Meola, but I don’t think it’s because I’m a great bass player. I think you can make these things happen if you have the right attitude.”

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of T.M. Stevens.