In Memoriam: Herbie Flowers
Session legend Herbie Flowers, who played some of the world’s most recognizable bass lines, has died at the age of 86. The news was shared by his family, though a cause was not given.
Flowers may be best known for his work on Lou Reed’s 1972 hit “Walk on the Wild Side,” which has also been sampled numerous times in popular music. The story of the bass line’s creation is just as epic as the piece itself.
Born in Isleworth in 1938, Flowers began playing in the 60s as a session player for prominent producers. He co-founded Blue Mink in 1969, which scored two hits. In the same year, he recorded “Space Oddity” with David Bowie. In 1974, he would play on Diamond Dogs, as well. Bowie’s estate paid tribute to the bassist on X.
“His work with Bowie and associates over the years is too long to list here,” they wrote. “Aside from his incredible musicianship over many decades, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed.”
His career includes work with the world’s biggest stars: Elton John, Paul McCartney, Marc Bolan (Flowers was in the last iteration of T. Rex), Bryan Ferry, David Essex, Harry Nilsson, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and many more. He even made time for his own solo albums starting with 1975’s Plant Life up through 2012’s A Jazz Breakfast.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Herbie Flowers.
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.
Surprised to come across this today. 9/11/23. I knew nothing of Mr. Flower’s work. But I recall being drawn to a series of LPs due to my attraction to John William’s guitar playing. Two days ago I searched for SKY on YouTube. And since I am now a bass player I’m able to have a greater appreciation of Mr Flower’s role. There is a lot of SKY on YouTube. Check it out. R.I.P. , Herbie.