From Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Legacy to Ozzy’s Bass History: This Week’s Top Bass Moments

It was a tough week in the music world. This week, we remembered the great Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who died at the age of 54. Although he was best known for his acting as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Warner was also a talented bassist and spoken-word artist.

“Known for his rich tone and smooth melodic lines on the five-string bass, Malcolm recorded and toured with top artists like Robert Glasper and Terri Lyne Carrington,” Jody shared in our article. “He earned Grammy recognition along the way. His 2022 album Hiding in Plain View showed just how much he had grown as a bassist and composer with its fresh mix of jazz and spoken word.” Our top two articles for the week were the news of his passing and his last performance at The Cabaret in Indianapolis, Indiana.

We also lost the rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died just weeks after Black Sabbath’s epic “Back to the Beginning” charity concert. We paid tribute to the Prince of Darkness with a look back at his bassists over the years, as well as an all-star video from his 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

On a brighter note, fans were treated to a look at the Le Fay Waran, unearthed music from Larry Graham’s formative years, and a lesson on Scott Shiflett’s masterful punk bass line on “Ben But Not Broken” by Face to Face.

Scroll on to read the bass highlights you might have missed.

1. Malcolm-Jamal Warner Remembered for His Heartfelt Bass Playing and Musical Legacy

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s sudden passing leaves the bass world mourning a gifted player who blended jazz, R&B, and poetry with deep passion.

2. Remembering Malcolm‑Jamal Warner Through His Powerful Final Set at The Cabaret

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s performance of “Joy and Pain” at The Cabaret blends soul, spoken word, and reflection in a powerful final act of groove.

3. Le Fay’s Waran 5: A Bold Bass Built for Speed and Stage Presence

Le Fay’s Waran 5 features a striking design, custom pickups, and a performance-focused build made for bassists who demand speed and presence on stage.

4. Watch: Rob Trujillo and More Honor Ozzy Osbourne with Heavy-Hitting Rock Hall Tribute

Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy was front and center at the 2024 Rock Hall with Trujillo, Idol, Smith, and more delivering a thunderous tribute.

5. Unearthed: Sly & The Family Stone’s Earliest Live Recording Captures Larry Graham’s Funk Bass Roots

Before their breakout, Sly & The Family Stone recorded a rare 1967 live set. Hear Larry Graham’s groundbreaking bass style in its rawest form before it changed funk forever.

6. David Sanborn’s Legacy Roars Back in Marcus Miller’s NYC All-Star Jam Session

Marcus Miller and an all-star band pay tribute to David Sanborn in a NYC concert, performing classics like Chicago Song and Run For Cover.

7. Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness and the Bassists Who Backed Him

The Prince of Darkness is gone. Ozzy Osbourne's career spanned decades and featured some of the most iconic bassists in rock history.

8. Scott Shiflett’s Punk Bass Line on ‘Bent But Not Broken’ Is a Workout Worth Learning

This Bass Gym lesson with Marek Bero explores the fast, melodic punk bass line from Face to Face’s “Bent But Not Broken.”

9. “The End of JHS”: Vintage and Fret-King Owner John Hornby Skewes & Co. To Cease Operations at 60 Years

Vintage and Fret-King distributor John Hornby Skewes & Co. is closing after 60 years. The UK company will begin an orderly wind-down of operations.

10. Trickfish L112 Bass Cab: Lightweight 1×12 with Neodymium Speaker and Vintage Look

Trickfish’s new L112 bass cabinet offers a lightweight 1x12 design, Neodymium speaker, and a vintage aesthetic for tone-conscious, gig-ready players.