Farewell to Anthony Jackson, One of the Most Influential Bassists of All Time – RIP AJ
The bass world is hurting right now. Anthony Jackson, born June 23, 1952, has passed away, and the loss hits hard. His passing has been confirmed by both Fodera and Al Di Meola, two names deeply tied to his story and his sound.
Jackson was more than just a session player. He was a pioneer who completely changed what the bass could be. He’s the mind behind the modern six string contrabass, an instrument that expanded the range and vocabulary of the bass and influenced just about every serious player who came after him. His work is all over the musical map too. He recorded on more than 500 albums and over 3,000 sessions, playing with artists like Chaka Khan, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, and The O’Jays.
I was lucky enough to see him play live with Hiromi’s trio, and I’ll never forget that night. Even surrounded by jaw dropping musicianship, Jackson’s playing stood out. It was deep, it was powerful, and it hit you right in the chest. He didn’t need flash to make a statement. His groove spoke louder than words ever could.
Anthony Jackson wasn’t just a bassist. He was a visionary who shaped the instrument into something bigger than anyone had imagined. His influence runs through every note we play, and his absence leaves a hole that won’t be filled. Thank you, Anthony, for showing us just how far the bass can go.
No Treble CEO Jody Miller is a Chicago-based bassist, guitarist, engineer, and producer best known for his bass gear demo videos and as the co-host of The Bass Nerds podcast.
RIP to a legend.
I first really got to know his playing through a Grover Washington Jr concert video (1981 at the Schubert Theatre, PH). Doesn’t have to be said – stellar musicianship, and opened the gateway to his immense body of work.
Thanks for the music AJ.
R.I.P. (Return If Possible)
We’ll never forget you, Mr. Jackson. Thank you for the lessons, the innovations, the performances, the recordings, and most of all for the love of Music you shared with all of us. And that is by no means a complete list of all for which we, your admirers, are grateful.
I hope wherever you are now, they have a killer house band that just so happens to need a bassist.
Thanks for all the great Music!
A fan for decades,
Peter M, Copenhagen
The bass guitar world has lost royalty!! This is something that we all knew that was coming but that it never would come.Rest in love and music Brother Anthony!! Someday we will all each other again in that city called Beautiful where there will be no more crying, suffering or pain.I will see you in God’s throne room Brother Anthony!! You bring your bass and I will bring my sticks.See you in the morning.
We’ll never forget you, Mr. Jackson. Thank you for
First heard AJ on Quincy Jones album Sounds and Stuff Like That. Listen to the song Tell me a bedtime story featuring Herbie Hancock on keyboard solo.Luther on background vocals AMAZING 😇
Orgogliosa di averti conosciuto personalmente durante un Live italiano con M.Stern e B.Franceschini… di cui conservo gelosamente le corde del tuo Basso che mi omaggiasti e le immense emozioni… Grazie per tutto, leggenda Antony 🌹🎼🙏😔