Top 5 James Jamerson Bass Lines | Inspired by the genius behind the Motown Sound

Good morning, groove lovers! Today on Good Vinyl Mornings, we don’t just celebrate bass—we celebrate the man who redefined it: James Jamerson. If you've ever felt your spirit move while listening to a Motown classic, chances are, Jamerson was the one behind that heartbeat.

Before bass playing was cool, he made it art—playing with one finger (lovingly nicknamed “The Hook”), Jamerson laid down lines that danced, wept, and shouted without ever saying a word. He didn't just support the groove—he was the groove.

Host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson dives deep into the Top 5 Jamerson bass lines that changed the course of music history:

1. 🎶 Darling Dear – The Jackson 5: Often called “the greatest bass line of all time,” this one’s a masterclass in melodic motion.
2. 🎶 What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye: Subtle, spiritual, and deeply human—Jamerson’s line here carries the weight of Marvin’s message.
3. 🎶 Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: A propulsive line that made every mountain feel climbable.
4. 🎶 I Was Made to Love Her – Stevie Wonder: Relentless, funky, and alive—like the bass itself is testifying.
5. 🎶 For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder: A perfect blend of bounce and soul, reminding us that bass can sing.

Jamerson often recorded these legendary parts while reading rough chord charts, sometimes drunk, always brilliant—his Precision Bass strung with flatwounds, action high, tone fat, and feel unmatched. This episode is more than a countdown—it's a tribute to a man who never got the spotlight he deserved in his lifetime, yet laid the foundation for every bassist who followed.

🎧 So brew that coffee, drop the needle, and prepare to be moved. Jamerson didn’t just play bass—he breathed life into it.

Good Vinyl Mornings, James Jamerson Playlist
This list isn’t just music—it’s a time capsule of sound.

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