With apologies to my hero Bobby Watson, it was actually DENNIS BELFIED playing on "Tell Me Something Good"!! Video coming up on Mr. Watson and his brilliant playing soon!
"Once You Get Started: is a tour-de-force. The Live version smokes, too! I love the 'ballads'/mid-temp stuff so much, as well..."Hollywood", Everlasting Love", "At Midnight". All from ASK RUFUS.
Happy Birthday to you. Really love and enjoy your channel. I would love if you did a piece on Mark Adams from Slave. He is one of the reasons I started playing bass. Maybe not the most complicated but could hold a groove like nobody else.
Stevie wrote Tell Me Something Good for Rufus in 1974, ten years later in 1984, they linked back up with I Feel For You where he plays the harmonica and they sample his voice.
Happy Birthday! "50... I'm just getting started" is a great attitude. I'll hit 60 in 2025 and I'm still finding new things to do and learn. Live while you can.
This is about my favorite era in music and for 74 I would indeed give it to Actual Proof 👍 Alphonso was on SO many records and killed it, we never hear enough about him! Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy 50th! An old musician once said to me on my 20th birthday,"son,the first sixty years are the hardest." I'm now 67....Thanks for such wonderful content.
@@Howeverwhatabout A mere youngster! Haha! I'm sure that what keeps us going is the desire to keep on learning and improving and,thankfully,this is a never ending process. Also,this is a great channel to do all of the above and in such a supportive environment.
50! Happy Birthday! I graduated from high school in 74 and Looking Glass played Brandy at our prom. I am sorry to say that I never heard most of your favorites until today. That’s why I watch, you educate me. At 67 I picked up the electric bass, ( I play the upright) because it is so fun to groove. Keep teaching!
I was born in 65 and the 70's were a great time to have my musical tastes influenced. When I was 5 years old I was given two albums, Santana's Abraxas and The Guess Who's American Woman. I went from Bozo The Clown and The Chipmunks to Singing Winds Crying Beasts and No Time. That was just the beginning and after that the new songs in the 70's kept my head and a great place, musically.
When I was 21 in 1975, I played on a world hit as well, you might remember it. 20 million copies sold, it was number two on the US charts for two weeks. Donna Summer’s “Love to love you baby”. We recorded it in Munich, Germany. After that, Donna signed up with Casablanca records in Los Angeles and she moved to the states. It was definitely one of the first records that started off the disco trend. “Four on the four” bass drum which you still hear today, although disco supposedly died in 1977. 😂
That’s awesome, honored to read your comments on such an awesome musical period. I was new to this country then so be at the source of such musical talent had my head spinning for years. Thanks for your contribution to my childhood 😂
Dave, great work, and good for you, amigo. That song has just a couple of memories for me, as I worked/tended bar/discoteque on 61st in Manhattan (Adam's Apple it was called) where there were go-girls dancing on mid-level daises, and your (and Donna's) song played about 39 trillion times a night. Unforgettable. All the best to you.
I think it was one of the first songs that we recorded 16:50 minutes long, it filled one side of the album. Sort of an extended version which we didn’t have up until then.@@abitoftruth8737
Or "Volcano Rupture" Mark Adams (RIP) and Mark Hicks, They called him DRAK (RIP). That cut , sounded like a prelude to WAR!! The Drums, sounded like bombs being dropped, on ya ASS!!! That all happened in 1978, " The hardness of the world "! Hell, it's in the name of the album!
Wow!! Awesome video! My uncle Wah Wah Watson player rhythm guitar with a lot these cats mentioned especially Paul Jackson Sr! RIP to both of them!!!!!!
@theodoreritola7641 and you haven't named one yet! it wasn't a list of who's the greatest. the list was one made up by pdbase of his favorites and he asked to leave a comment of your favorites but instead you come with the BS. so you're really questioning his choices with that weak azz passive aggressive racist BS. you can take several seats now!
@theodoreritola7641 and you haven't named one yet! it wasn't a list of who's the greatest. the list was one made up by pdbase of his favorites and he asked to leave a comment of your favorites but instead you come with the BS. so you're really questioning his choices with that weak passive aggressive BS. you can take several seats now!
Hair is one of the most satisfying bass lines to play. It has such an unshakeable groove that I feel requires the player to move along with it to really feel the whole thing. Larry Graham has so many amazing bass lines and I happy this one got the shout out.
Happy 50th birthday! Glad that you included Alphonso Johnson playing Cucumber Slumber. I have always thought he never got his kudos for playing that tune. Thanks for including and giving him his well deserved place on this list. Saw him play for the first time here in Portland a few years ago with Patrice Rushen, excellent performance!
Happy 50th anniversary! I was a senior in HS at the time. I am retired now and living my best bass life ever! 1974 was a great year for music. This was a great vid! TYFP!
I love channels like this because they clue us in to music most people haven't heard or can't remember. I would argue that the title of the video should be "The 10 Greatest R&B Bass Lines of 1974", but even then, I think there are a few omissions. Barry White's "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe" has a driving bass line throughout the song. "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely" by the Main Ingredient grabs your attention with that bass hook from the start. Who could forget the Average White Band with "Pick Up the Pieces"?
Happy Birthday, Paul! I graduated from high school in 1974 (yeah, I'm an old guy), and I remember all the songs you mention here. One I think deserves an honorable mention is William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful For What You Got". The song was just two chords, but it had a strong groove thanks to the bass playing. It was recorded at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia and features many of the MFSB musicians (Earl Young on drums, Norman Harris on guitar), but I believe that instead of Ronnie Baker, the bass player was Rusty Jackmon, who played bass with the Trammps.
Happy Birthday Sir! 1974 was indeed a great year for music! I was 13 years old and obsessed with The Ohio Players and Kool & The Gang. I remember riding my bike to the military base px to spend my paperboy money on the Skin Tight and Light Of Worlds respectively. Every track you mentioned is excellent!
Happy BD PD! In 74 I was 22 and playing bass 6 nights a week in clubs all over the Eastern 1/3rd of the USA. I love the bass in songs back then and it was a golden era of great bass playing. Enjoy your videos!
You've got a good taste and a fine sélection here👍 Among my favorite bass lines from 1974 Fatback band- New York style, Kay-gees - You've got to keep on bumpin', Edwin Starr - Easin' in, Ronnie Foster - Serenade to a rock and Blackbyrds - Do it fluid.
My Son was born in '74, can sing and dance to any one of these tunes. Happy March 22nd Bday Eric. Oh I'm going to rock this out the whole month... Buckle up love bug we're going on a journey 🎂💝🫂 🤜🏾🤛🏾
I was 10 for most of 1974 I remember it gave birth to my lifelong love for music. Music allows me to express my emotions, lose and find myself again I gave my son my love for music and he has thanked me and we share music with each other for over 30 years I regularly listen to funk and disco as they are the foundation of my musical love
Happy birthday, Paul! It was 1961 for me. Love all you do. Love all the lines you picked from 74, too. Classics. Thanks for shining a light on so many players who've gone unheralded. Gary King, Gordon Edwards, Paul Jackson, William Salter, and so many others. God bless you, and may you have many, many more!
I’m 63 myself, started playing bass on a whim on Valentines Day 1989. Happy birthday sir, I’ve learned a lot and improved my bass playing by watching your channel. Enjoy!
Happy birthday bass brother. I remember all of those tunes. Skin Tight was played in my dad's car on the old 8 track along with Isaac Hayes, Chocolate Chip and Gladys Knight and the Pips. All on our way to Devon from London, England for our holidays. We also had the vinyl albums, all of them inspired me to become a bass player. Thank you for the memories 🙏🏿
I turned 40 this year, and this just affirms what great times I missed + the wonders I have to catch up on. Thank you for this video and all the best to you/those watching it.
I graduated from high school in 1974. I'm so old (I still look young) I'm switching to medium scale basses. I didn't know Mr. Salter played bass on Dancing Machine. It sounded like Chuck Rainey. You're the man Dan. Thanks for the great videos. Happy Birthday!
1974 was a helluva year. I love the bass and drums of all songs. Bobby Watson is still playing. Kool too. Skin Tight was our jam. May you have 50 more. Thank You
As a young Bass Player in the 70’s from the Philly-Jersey area.. I was wrkn with a singing group & the manager had 3 acts that I knew of The Brothers of Love(us),Kool & the Gang, & the Ohio Players…we all did shows together..what a great time I had..
Happy, happy birthday Paul. 1971 here. Cheers to many many blessed years in health and happiness. Keep the good stuff going bassmaster! Thank you for sharing all your musical wisdom and good taste. Ever learning from you.
Happy 50th Birthday 🎉 Your videos are the most interesting bass channels to me. They have the most variety and help me hear great bass lines that I’ve never heard before. I’ve been a bass player in bands for over 35 years. Had a stroke about 10 yrs ago, it effected the proprioception of both of my hands so when I tried to put my fingers in the correct notes, my fingers would miss the string or hit the wrong string. It took me about 5 years to be able to play again and 7 years to stop walking with a cane. I’ve been practicing so much that I’m better than I was before the stroke. I feel overly blessed to be able to walk and play again. Your videos make a difference. Thank you
Wow. Uncle Bill gets a shout out! William Salter is part of very extended family but I didn't know he was on that Jackson 5 cut. And it's a great one too! Can't wait to share this with him and his family. I was just sitting here with my p-bass thumping along through the list and then there it is! Back in the 80s I used to hang out at the studio with him while he and Ralph MacDonald engineered sessions for a lot of different artists. Eric Gale, Richard Tee, and Steve Gadd all passed through at varying times, among others. Bill also composed Mr. Magic. Merry 50th!
I was 13 back in 1974,when I first heard “Pick up the Pieces”.I was blown away,great bass line.AWB was on constant rotation during my childhood.Along with the GOAT”EWF”. Groups like the Blackbryds,WAR,TOP just to name a few.Don’t get enough credit.The 70’s was the greatest music era,IMO.
I agree, nothing like the music that came out of late 60’s and 70’s. Doesn’t matter the genre. I never get tired of hearing the music. I got to see a lot of incredible artists in the Bay Area at the Day on the Green concerts.
I join the Navy in 1974 after from 16 to 17 November 7 leaving for Boot Camp December 26 in San Diego,Ca I’m from LA short drive, music got me through Navy especially during my After-steering watch!
Hey PD HAPPY 50th..🫶 reading thru your many comments a few mention the groove set on Barry White's trax..well NO ONE mentioned the guy who it was that laid those bass grooves n many more on the first 5 albums recorded at Whitney..none other than the ace sax player with The Crusaders Wilton Felder..his smooth n subtle rich tones have always been a feature for me since I started collecting in 73 when I was still at school..now in my 60s I reflect with luv n warmth the feelings I felt back then of the true genius of ALL the groovsters that laid the foundation for the funksters of tday..while Louis n Marcus were just gettin warmed up back in 74 the likes of Verdine Stanley Larry AND Wilton as well as the guys on your top 10 were setting in stone the foundation of funk..to all fans..keep the faith❤️✌️peace!
Happy Birthday! I thought I was a funk aficionado, grew up in the 70s, my brother was a musician , and DJ/ radio personality. You have introduced me to gems I didn't know existed and resurrected bass lines I had forgotten . Thank you so much!!!
I listened Prince during my teenage days, in the 80's in France. He is still hudge for me. But later, when I discovered Larry Graham's work I understood how much he influenced Prince. Amazing bass player and I agree, he is too underrated !
How is he underrated? He was part of Sly and the Family Stone and has had a number of hits on his own. He INVENTED the slapping style of playing the bass. Players worldwide play that way because of Larry Graham. And he still plays today. In no way is he underrated! Ask any bass player and they will tell you who Larry Graham is. What do you expect from a bass player? Graham is one of the few bass players that people can name because of his style. He is also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Sly and the Family Stone. I know we want to try to honor someone by saying they are underrated. But you actually do the opposite when they are not underrated! And he is number one on this list…
@@josebrown5961 You just succinctly outlined why he is one of the most underrated musicians in history. That very litany of accomplishments is why he should be considered on the Mount Rushmore of music, alongside the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Prince, Eric Clapton, etc. But he's not. Though most have heard of Sly and the Family Stone, sadly, many are unfamiliar with the name of the innovator behind alot of their sound. In survey after survey, both official and random, his name is NEVER mentioned in the top ten greatest musicians of all time, not even in the top fifty! And it should be. It's a tragedy. And that's why I consider him to be underrated (if you know what underrated means). He deserves much higher accolades and recognition than he receives, much higher. Not just as a bassist but as a musician in general.
@@josebrown5961 With all due respect, I honestly believe you're confusing "underrated" with "overrated". Otherwise, you'd realize that you're making my point for me. In fact, I couldn't have done it better.
@@D.AntonyYou have put together a wonderful piece and I can appreciate it. But the average person doesn’t give most musicians the credit they deserve and I am not even talking about color! Take Mr. Graham’s friend Prince. You and I know that he was an ace singer, songwriter, and multi instrumentalist yet he wasn’t given his respect from most folks when he was alive much less after his death, but he wasn’t underrated to the people that knew. I’m talking about his peers, they rated him just fine. Those that didn’t got a wake up call when he did his guitar solo. Mr. Graham’s peers know who and what he is. You and I and most of the people who found this video know that as well. All the great musicians know who Larry Graham is and what he contributed to the world of music. Those young ones are learning right now. I don’t think he will ever be lauded as this great musician by most people. Yes like you I think he should be, but his friend Prince isn’t so he won’t be either. But if you ask any young bass player about Graham he would know, if his teachers had done their job and taught him his bass history. I have an early teen godson. He is a bassist, stand up for now. He knows who Graham is and what he has done for music. The way I found out was he mentioned him to me! We went on for an hour and I was even able to share some LG music he hadn’t heard. The kids are getting it. And even I don’t think Mr. Graham is one of the top 50 musicians of all time! One of the top 10 BASSISTS yes but musicians? Not a chance. Those who know know, and the rest just don’t know. That is the way it always has been. I could name you dozens of artists who fall into this category. I understand why you feel the way you do. We might not ever meet totally on this issue but I do think we can both agree that we love Larry Graham. And what accolades should he get that he hasn’t received yet? A problem that I have is I feel most of our great musicians have been pitched aside in this modern Hip Hop world. Great musicians just aren’t loved and respected enough. I am afraid they never will be and that is a crying shame. A Hip Hop producer doesn’t have any need for a great bass player. He can just sample the “beat” from Hair and move right along. He pays LG a little $ and he never has to share the stage with him. In that respect he and all musicians are underrated and they always will be. These new “artists” don’t have the respect for the people who came before.
1974 was a cool year to be born. It's hard to fathom it was half a century ago (just a friendly little dig 😊) that I was listening to Sylvia's Pillow Talk which came out in '73. Boy that was a steamer. Parliament was hot and heavy in '74 with Up For The Down Stroke, Ohio Players were on Fire (what a smokin' groove), and later in life I turned on to the Meters with Just Kissed My Baby. And '75 seemed to be an explosion of Funk, Soul, and R&B. Fun times, formative years for me. Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU PD BASS and thanķs for your great content keep rockin on into the future btw if you get time please do some MARK ADAMS BASS THANK YOU 🎉🎊🎈🎁
Happy birthday! I used to play bass in 1974. I agree with Larry Graham, the whole album but also Herbie Hancock’s ‘Chameleon’ and ‘Watermelon Man’ and Stanley Clarke’s ‘Lopsy Lu.’
Thanks so much Sir...for bringing this Time Capsule back to the Surface...In order to survive this current Era...I must take trips often Back to the Future in order to maintain some element of Sanity...Thanks Again...😇😇😇😇😇😇😇...!!!
Happy 50th! Hope for many more. I gotta give a shout out to William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful For What You Got". The bass moves so much and yet it feels so much in control.
Frank Zappa, Roxy and Elsewhere, Echidnas Arf, Tom Fowler on bass (and the wonderful but sadly late George Duke on keys). What a Romp!!! Recorded 1973, released 74.
@@silkyb9869 Have u ever heard of WILD CHERRY PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC WHITE BOY 1976 AVE WHITE BAND PICK UP THE PIECES 1975 JUST 2 HUGE HIT SONGS BY WHITE MEN IN THE MID 70s ALONE
Dude, you a bad man!!! Love your articulation of these classics. You play like you were born with an instrument in your hands. HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂 Keep the great work. Peace
With apologies to my hero Bobby Watson, it was actually DENNIS BELFIED playing on "Tell Me Something Good"!!
Video coming up on Mr. Watson and his brilliant playing soon!
you also transcribed it incorrectly
Not true.
“It’s actually simpler than you think”
Go listen to it closely.
The transcription is correct.
"Once You Get Started: is a tour-de-force. The Live version smokes, too!
I love the 'ballads'/mid-temp stuff so much, as well..."Hollywood", Everlasting Love", "At Midnight". All from ASK RUFUS.
@@jazzpunk Yep--that album made me! I might do a FTB on it.
Happy Birthday to you. Really love and enjoy your channel. I would love if you did a piece on Mark Adams from Slave. He is one of the reasons I started playing bass. Maybe not the most complicated but could hold a groove like nobody else.
OMG, I think my favorite all time bass line came out in 76, Slide by Slave!
Slave always had the filthiest bass lines and tone ever. Stone Jam is the holy grail of funk bass imo.
Hey Paul, I was always partial to Verdine White’s bass lines to Earth Wind & Fire’s ‘74 hit “Mighty Mighty”
Happy 50th. 1974 was an awesome year for music.
You mean happy 70th, thanks!
Stevie wrote Tell Me Something Good for Rufus in 1974, ten years later in 1984, they linked back up with I Feel For You where he plays the harmonica and they sample his voice.
Happy Birthday! "50... I'm just getting started" is a great attitude. I'll hit 60 in 2025 and I'm still finding new things to do and learn. Live while you can.
My fav song that year (i was 17).. The Kay-Gees. Gotta Keep On Bumping!!!
Got to add Stevie's left hand part on Boogie on Reggae Woman to the 1974 list! Happy Birthday PDB!
I was trying to make a top 20 bassist and someone said "Stevie Wonder's left hand" Damn it, now I gotta work that in there.
This is about my favorite era in music and for 74 I would indeed give it to Actual Proof 👍
Alphonso was on SO many records and killed it, we never hear enough about him!
Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy 50th! An old musician once said to me on my 20th birthday,"son,the first sixty years are the hardest." I'm now 67....Thanks for such wonderful content.
I’m only 63! Ha!
@@Howeverwhatabout A mere youngster! Haha! I'm sure that what keeps us going is the desire to keep on learning and improving and,thankfully,this is a never ending process. Also,this is a great channel to do all of the above and in such a supportive environment.
@@charlesboyle9223 well said sir! Kind regards to you, your family and friends.
Skin Tight, you said Rock Jones?? I thought his name was Marshall??
@@raymyrie5206-
Marshall "Rock" Jones
50! Happy Birthday! I graduated from high school in 74 and Looking Glass played Brandy at our prom. I am sorry to say that I never heard most of your favorites until today. That’s why I watch, you educate me. At 67 I picked up the electric bass, ( I play the upright) because it is so fun to groove. Keep teaching!
Thank YOU! 🙏🏽
Happy 50, I was born in 67 and the 70s as a kid that music is magical
Same here..'67 innndahowwwse!!✊🏾✊🏾but yeah, totally agree...great time to be a kid
I was born in 65 and the 70's were a great time to have my musical tastes influenced. When I was 5 years old I was given two albums, Santana's Abraxas and The Guess Who's American Woman. I went from Bozo The Clown and The Chipmunks to Singing Winds Crying Beasts and No Time. That was just the beginning and after that the new songs in the 70's kept my head and a great place, musically.
When I was 21 in 1975, I played on a world hit as well, you might remember it. 20 million copies sold, it was number two on the US charts for two weeks. Donna Summer’s “Love to love you baby”. We recorded it in Munich, Germany. After that, Donna signed up with Casablanca records in Los Angeles and she moved to the states. It was definitely one of the first records that started off the disco trend. “Four on the four” bass drum which you still hear today, although disco supposedly died in 1977. 😂
Congrats on your contribution to such a great musical legacy! Best in health to you and yours.
Love that bass line, one of my regular finger exercises. It's also really handy that it can be heard separately in the long version. 😊 Good work 👌🏻
That’s awesome, honored to read your comments on such an awesome musical period. I was new to this country then so be at the source of such musical talent had my head spinning for years. Thanks for your contribution to my childhood 😂
Dave, great work, and good for you, amigo. That song has just a couple of memories for me, as I worked/tended bar/discoteque on 61st in Manhattan (Adam's Apple it was called) where there were go-girls dancing on mid-level daises, and your (and Donna's) song played about 39 trillion times a night. Unforgettable. All the best to you.
I think it was one of the first songs that we recorded 16:50 minutes long, it filled one side of the album. Sort of an extended version which we didn’t have up until then.@@abitoftruth8737
Honorable mention: EWF's "Mighty Mighty" & "Kalimba Story" from their 1974 "Open Our Eyes" LP. Verdine White's DNA all over this one.
Those cuts were pretty damn funky.
Yes! Kalimba story!
Now you're talking !!
Tee Nine Chee Bit,was the funkiest to me!
@@galenhubbard8784 Gotcha..
When you work your way up to 1979, I'm going to do an early write in vote for:
*"Slave - Just a touch of love"* 😎
Just a touch of love was shzit
That's a serious jam, but back up to their first album and check the bass on "Slide"
Or "Volcano Rupture" Mark Adams (RIP) and Mark Hicks, They called him DRAK (RIP). That cut , sounded like a prelude to WAR!! The Drums, sounded like bombs being dropped, on ya ASS!!! That all happened in 1978, " The hardness of the world "! Hell, it's in the name of the album!
Wow!! Awesome video! My uncle Wah Wah Watson player rhythm guitar with a lot these cats mentioned especially Paul Jackson Sr! RIP to both of them!!!!!!
Happy 50th Birthday, Bass lines like these are part of why the 70s was the best decade for music.
NOT 1 WHITE BASS PLAYER ?
@@theodoreritola7641 you could have named a few names instead of whining and trying to bring race into everything you see !
Was there any white plyers in this list YES OR NO ? And no im not a raceist far from it . BAD TRY
@theodoreritola7641 and you haven't named one yet! it wasn't a list of who's the greatest. the list was one made up by pdbase of his favorites and he asked to leave a comment of your favorites but instead you come with the BS. so you're really questioning his choices with that weak azz passive aggressive racist BS.
you can take several seats now!
@theodoreritola7641 and you haven't named one yet! it wasn't a list of who's the greatest. the list was one made up by pdbase of his favorites and he asked to leave a comment of your favorites but instead you come with the BS. so you're really questioning his choices with that weak passive aggressive BS.
you can take several seats now!
Happy birthday my brother in bass! 1974 represent, oh yeah let's not forget Pretzel logic.
DANCING , DANCING , DANCING ... SHE'S A DANCING MACHINE !!! Happy 50th Birthday ! ( I did the bass cover of this song ) RIP Michael
THERE was not 1 white artist why ?
NO AVE WHITE BAND BASS SONG ON HERE LOL WOOOOW
Hair is one of the most satisfying bass lines to play. It has such an unshakeable groove that I feel requires the player to move along with it to really feel the whole thing. Larry Graham has so many amazing bass lines and I happy this one got the shout out.
Happy 50th birthday! Glad that you included Alphonso Johnson playing Cucumber Slumber. I have always thought he never got his kudos for playing that tune. Thanks for including and giving him his well deserved place on this list. Saw him play for the first time here in Portland a few years ago with Patrice Rushen, excellent performance!
Alphonso J is a phenomenal bassist , especially his work with George Duke & Billy Cobham.
50 Is just the start. Happy Birthday. Hair is still incredible, Skin Tight, anything Alphonso Johnson, Anything Paul Jackson.
Best wishes for you and your 50th birthday. I enjoyed the video, some smokin lines in there 🎸
Hey PD, one of my favorite bass players, ever besides, Marcus Miller is Verdine White of earth wind, and fire is Mighty Mighty in 1974. PEACE!
One of the first ones that came to my mind.
Absolutely
Verdine was The Force behind all of they’re stuff
You nailed it brah! ! I turned 60 this year and 95%. of the songs you listed are on my back in the day play list…the other 5 % will be added today!!!
Happy 50th Birthday!!!!! '74, HS grad & college Freshman. Very good year for music. Stay healthy.
Happy 50th anniversary! I was a senior in HS at the time. I am retired now and living my best bass life ever! 1974 was a great year for music. This was a great vid! TYFP!
I love channels like this because they clue us in to music most people haven't heard or can't remember. I would argue that the title of the video should be "The 10 Greatest R&B Bass Lines of 1974", but even then, I think there are a few omissions. Barry White's "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe" has a driving bass line throughout the song. "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely" by the Main Ingredient grabs your attention with that bass hook from the start. Who could forget the Average White Band with "Pick Up the Pieces"?
If I'm not mistaken that was the legendary Bob Babbitt who played bass on the Main Ingredient's version of "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely".
Good choices👍🏼
Happy Birthday, Paul! I graduated from high school in 1974 (yeah, I'm an old guy), and I remember all the songs you mention here. One I think deserves an honorable mention is William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful For What You Got". The song was just two chords, but it had a strong groove thanks to the bass playing. It was recorded at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia and features many of the MFSB musicians (Earl Young on drums, Norman Harris on guitar), but I believe that instead of Ronnie Baker, the bass player was Rusty Jackmon, who played bass with the Trammps.
Happy Birthday Sir!
1974 was indeed a great year for music! I was 13 years old and obsessed with The Ohio Players and Kool & The Gang. I remember riding my bike to the military base px to spend my paperboy money on the Skin Tight and Light Of Worlds respectively. Every track you mentioned is excellent!
Yes these are some of this greatest I was blessed to have grown up in this era. Thank so much for sharing.🎸🏆❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Happy BD PD! In 74 I was 22 and playing bass 6 nights a week in clubs all over the Eastern 1/3rd of the USA. I love the bass in songs back then and it was a golden era of great bass playing. Enjoy your videos!
You've got a good taste and a fine sélection here👍
Among my favorite bass lines from 1974
Fatback band- New York style, Kay-gees - You've got to keep on bumpin', Edwin Starr - Easin' in, Ronnie Foster - Serenade to a rock and Blackbyrds - Do it fluid.
Where are the white bass players are they not allowed ?
My Son was born in '74, can sing and dance to any one of these tunes. Happy March 22nd Bday Eric. Oh I'm going to rock this out the whole month... Buckle up love bug we're going on a journey 🎂💝🫂 🤜🏾🤛🏾
Good on you.
I was born 1974 March 18th. Glad to meet company here. I live in uganda
I was 10 for most of 1974
I remember it gave birth to my lifelong love for music. Music allows me to express my emotions, lose and find myself again
I gave my son my love for music and he has thanked me and we share music with each other for over 30 years
I regularly listen to funk and disco as they are the foundation of my musical love
Happy birthday, Paul! It was 1961 for me. Love all you do. Love all the lines you picked from 74, too. Classics. Thanks for shining a light on so many players who've gone unheralded. Gary King, Gordon Edwards, Paul Jackson, William Salter, and so many others. God bless you, and may you have many, many more!
Yes LAWD!! All of those are good memories young man and Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Bday. Another 50 to you in as good as possible health!
Paul Jackson in Actual Proof.. My favorite line bass... It was incredible for me when I listen it in 1974.
Happy Birthday, Groove Master! All of us 50-somethings welcome you to the club.
Cheers!
I graduated from high school in May 1974. I remember most of these songs very well!!!
Happy birthday. I am grateful for all of your videos
I’m 63 myself, started playing bass on a whim on Valentines Day 1989.
Happy birthday sir, I’ve learned a lot and improved my bass playing by watching your channel. Enjoy!
I was born in that year on the 9th of January.
From South Africa with love! 🖤✊🏿
a medal
Happy birthday bass brother. I remember all of those tunes. Skin Tight was played in my dad's car on the old 8 track along with Isaac Hayes, Chocolate Chip and Gladys Knight and the Pips. All on our way to Devon from London, England for our holidays.
We also had the vinyl albums, all of them inspired me to become a bass player. Thank you for the memories 🙏🏿
Awesome Top 10 and Honorable Mention.. Don’t FUNK with The 70’s. Happy 50th Brother ✊🏽
Play that Funky music white boy ,by Wild Cherry was FANTASTIC 1976
REMEMBER PHILY FREEDOM Elton John 1975 big bass and a huge hit
I turned 40 this year, and this just affirms what great times I missed + the wonders I have to catch up on. Thank you for this video and all the best to you/those watching it.
Happy Blessed Birthday! Fifty years! I was 23 then, a guitarist coming to being a bass player. So much to learn, fun to play!
I graduated from high school in 1974. I'm so old (I still look young) I'm switching to medium scale basses. I didn't know Mr. Salter played bass on Dancing Machine. It sounded like Chuck Rainey. You're the man Dan. Thanks for the great videos. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, PDBass, and many happy returns. "Yes It's You" by Sweet Charles
I was fortunate enough to be 13 in 1974 and my dad owned a Magnavox dealership. We had music everywhere. Thanks for the memories of him.
Happy birthday! Thank you for all the great music you’ve blessed Pittsburgh with - 🖖🏼
1974 was a helluva year. I love the bass and drums of all songs. Bobby Watson is still playing. Kool too. Skin Tight was our jam. May you have 50 more. Thank You
As a young Bass Player in the 70’s from the Philly-Jersey area.. I was wrkn with a singing group & the manager had 3 acts that I knew of The Brothers of Love(us),Kool & the Gang, & the Ohio Players…we all did shows together..what a great time I had..
‘What Is Hip’. It hit the charts in 74. One of my favorites.
Stop! Tower of Power. Also, "So very Hard to Go".
Oh lawd...has it been that long, I graduated high school in '72, college in '76 and danced to all of that good music. Nothing out there like it today.
Same years for me,seems I copied you or you copied me.Wish I would meet you
MY FAV BLACK BASS PLAYERS LOL,,,,, NOT 1 WHITE MAN KNOWS HOW TO PLAY BASS REALLY
I like the bass line in Jerry Bulter’s ‘Ain’t understanding mellow’. Awesome
Happy 50,love your bass knowledge 🙏🏽
The year I graduated from HS…best time of my life. Thank you for sharing this phenomenal time and the musicians. 🎉50
Happy, happy birthday Paul. 1971 here. Cheers to many many blessed years in health and happiness. Keep the good stuff going bassmaster! Thank you for sharing all your musical wisdom and good taste. Ever learning from you.
Happy birthday! 1974 was indeed a great year for music, and you are part of the reason why! Thank you for your hard work and passion!
Actual Proof is otherworldly. Paul Jackson was a bass beast.
The 70's must have been the decade of the bass. Sooo very many great bass lines in that decade. How could I ever pick my favorite of 1974?
Happy 50th Birthday 🎉
Your videos are the most interesting bass channels to me. They have the most variety and help me hear great bass lines that I’ve never heard before.
I’ve been a bass player in bands for over 35 years.
Had a stroke about 10 yrs ago, it effected the proprioception of both of my hands so when I tried to put my fingers in the correct notes, my fingers would miss the string or hit the wrong string. It took me about 5 years to be able to play again and 7 years to stop walking with a cane. I’ve been practicing so much that I’m better than I was before the stroke.
I feel overly blessed to be able to walk and play again. Your videos make a difference. Thank you
I will attend my 50th hs reunion this year class of ‘74 and you are correct a great year for music!
Wow. Uncle Bill gets a shout out! William Salter is part of very extended family but I didn't know he was on that Jackson 5 cut. And it's a great one too! Can't wait to share this with him and his family. I was just sitting here with my p-bass thumping along through the list and then there it is! Back in the 80s I used to hang out at the studio with him while he and Ralph MacDonald engineered sessions for a lot of different artists. Eric Gale, Richard Tee, and Steve Gadd all passed through at varying times, among others. Bill also composed Mr. Magic. Merry 50th!
Skin Tight!!! Thank you. Also, I did not know Stevie Wonder wrote the bassline for Tell Me Something Good.
Happy birthday to you and... Thank you so much for your great videos! 🥂
It is about time someone has done high light on bass players great job
I was 13 back in 1974,when I first heard “Pick up the Pieces”.I was blown away,great bass line.AWB was on constant rotation during my childhood.Along with the GOAT”EWF”.
Groups like the Blackbryds,WAR,TOP just to name a few.Don’t get enough credit.The 70’s was the greatest music era,IMO.
I agree, nothing like the music that came out of late 60’s and 70’s. Doesn’t matter the genre. I never get tired of hearing the music. I got to see a lot of incredible artists in the Bay Area at the Day on the Green concerts.
I join the Navy in 1974 after from 16 to 17 November 7 leaving for Boot Camp December 26 in San Diego,Ca I’m from LA short drive, music got me through Navy especially during my After-steering watch!
Man you doing good for 50, I thought you were younger. I just turned 60, so cry me a river😆
😅✌🏽👍🏽
Right?! Oh, to go back to 5-0!! I wish!
Hey PD HAPPY 50th..🫶 reading thru your many comments a few mention the groove set on Barry White's trax..well NO ONE mentioned the guy who it was that laid those bass grooves n many more on the first 5 albums recorded at Whitney..none other than the ace sax player with The Crusaders Wilton Felder..his smooth n subtle rich tones have always been a feature for me since I started collecting in 73 when I was still at school..now in my 60s I reflect with luv n warmth the feelings I felt back then of the true genius of ALL the groovsters that laid the foundation for the funksters of tday..while Louis n Marcus were just gettin warmed up back in 74 the likes of Verdine Stanley Larry AND Wilton as well as the guys on your top 10 were setting in stone the foundation of funk..to all fans..keep the faith❤️✌️peace!
I was also born in 1974, so I am right there with you. Happy Birthday!! Let's go!!
happy belated birthday. i had to click on this. i was 8 in 1974...music was EVERYTHING back then!
Wow! I didn't expect to see "Hair" at number 1. That bassline is something else. Larry Graham is a legend.
HELL NO
@@williamparker3328 what do you mean by that?
I was born during that time. But I appreciate the sound and beat of the music. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤❤❤
King Crimson Red-Starless, Fallen Angel, Red, One More Red Nightmare.
Happy Birthday! I thought I was a funk aficionado, grew up in the 70s, my brother was a musician , and DJ/ radio personality. You have introduced me to gems I didn't know existed and resurrected bass lines I had forgotten . Thank you so much!!!
Hair, by Larry is a worthy choice. i remember my big bro learning to play this intro.. it took him a whole day to get it just right..RIP Bro.
Thanks for all your great videos. It's impressive to see someone embrace 50 with all the passion and excitement of a teenager.
Keep them coming !
That OJays For the Love of Money is so badass.
Thanks for great content! I was 11 most of 1974. A good bass line walks, talks, and tells a story. Now I'm off to set up a playlist of these tunes.
Larry Graham is without question one of the most innovative, yet, underrated, musicians in history.
I listened Prince during my teenage days, in the 80's in France. He is still hudge for me. But later, when I discovered Larry Graham's work I understood how much he influenced Prince. Amazing bass player and I agree, he is too underrated !
How is he underrated? He was part of Sly and the Family Stone and has had a number of hits on his own. He INVENTED the slapping style of playing the bass. Players worldwide play that way because of Larry Graham. And he still plays today.
In no way is he underrated!
Ask any bass player and they will tell you who Larry Graham is. What do you expect from a bass player? Graham is one of the few bass players that people can name because of his style. He is also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Sly and the Family Stone.
I know we want to try to honor someone by saying they are underrated. But you actually do the opposite when they are not underrated!
And he is number one on this list…
@@josebrown5961 You just succinctly outlined why he is one of the most underrated musicians in history. That very litany of accomplishments is why he should be considered on the Mount Rushmore of music, alongside the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Prince, Eric Clapton, etc. But he's not. Though most have heard of Sly and the Family Stone, sadly, many are unfamiliar with the name of the innovator behind alot of their sound. In survey after survey, both official and random, his name is NEVER mentioned in the top ten greatest musicians of all time, not even in the top fifty! And it should be. It's a tragedy. And that's why I consider him to be underrated (if you know what underrated means). He deserves much higher accolades and recognition than he receives, much higher. Not just as a bassist but as a musician in general.
@@josebrown5961 With all due respect, I honestly believe you're confusing "underrated" with "overrated". Otherwise, you'd realize that you're making my point for me. In fact, I couldn't have done it better.
@@D.AntonyYou have put together a wonderful piece and I can appreciate it.
But the average person doesn’t give most musicians the credit they deserve and I am not even talking about color!
Take Mr. Graham’s friend Prince. You and I know that he was an ace singer, songwriter, and multi instrumentalist yet he wasn’t given his respect from most folks when he was alive much less after his death, but he wasn’t underrated to the people that knew. I’m talking about his peers, they rated him just fine. Those that didn’t got a wake up call when he did his guitar solo.
Mr. Graham’s peers know who and what he is. You and I and most of the people who found this video know that as well. All the great musicians know who Larry Graham is and what he contributed to the world of music. Those young ones are learning right now.
I don’t think he will ever be lauded as this great musician by most people. Yes like you I think he should be, but his friend Prince isn’t so he won’t be either. But if you ask any young bass player about Graham he would know, if his teachers had done their job and taught him his bass history. I have an early teen godson. He is a bassist, stand up for now. He knows who Graham is and what he has done for music. The way I found out was he mentioned him to me! We went on for an hour and I was even able to share some LG music he hadn’t heard. The kids are getting it.
And even I don’t think Mr. Graham is one of the top 50 musicians of all time! One of the top 10 BASSISTS yes but musicians? Not a chance.
Those who know know, and the rest just don’t know. That is the way it always has been. I could name you dozens of artists who fall into this category. I understand why you feel the way you do. We might not ever meet totally on this issue but I do think we can both agree that we love Larry Graham.
And what accolades should he get that he hasn’t received yet? A problem that I have is I feel most of our great musicians have been pitched aside in this modern Hip Hop world. Great musicians just aren’t loved and respected enough. I am afraid they never will be and that is a crying shame.
A Hip Hop producer doesn’t have any need for a great bass player. He can just sample the “beat” from Hair and move right along. He pays LG a little $ and he never has to share the stage with him.
In that respect he and all musicians are underrated and they always will be. These new “artists” don’t have the respect for the people who came before.
1974 was a cool year to be born. It's hard to fathom it was half a century ago (just a friendly little dig 😊) that I was listening to Sylvia's Pillow Talk which came out in '73. Boy that was a steamer. Parliament was hot and heavy in '74 with Up For The Down Stroke, Ohio Players were on Fire (what a smokin' groove), and later in life I turned on to the Meters with Just Kissed My Baby. And '75 seemed to be an explosion of Funk, Soul, and R&B.
Fun times, formative years for me.
Happy Birthday!
For the Love of Money is #1 in my opinion. It’s easily recognized across all genres.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU PD BASS and thanķs for your great content keep rockin on into the future btw if you get time please do some MARK ADAMS BASS THANK YOU 🎉🎊🎈🎁
Happy birthday! I used to play bass in 1974. I agree with Larry Graham, the whole album but also Herbie Hancock’s ‘Chameleon’ and ‘Watermelon Man’ and Stanley Clarke’s ‘Lopsy Lu.’
Happy 50th Birthday !! And thanks for sharing this amazing video!! 🔥🔥🔥
The New Birth, Coming From All Ends comes to mind.
Agree.
Thanks so much Sir...for bringing this Time Capsule back to the Surface...In order to survive this current Era...I must take trips often Back to the Future in order to maintain some element of Sanity...Thanks Again...😇😇😇😇😇😇😇...!!!
Happy 50th! Hope for many more.
I gotta give a shout out to William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful For What You Got". The bass moves so much and yet it feels so much in control.
Happy birthday! Welcome to your 50's. I turned 50 a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised by how old it isn't. Hope you're feeling that way too.
I can't wait to see and hear 1977.💯🤘🏿🖤🌹👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Nice!!! And I'm right behind ya waiting for '78 ❤🎉
PICK UP THE PEICES by the Ave white band should be number 1 of all the bass in the 70s
DONT EXPECT 1 WHITE BASS PLAYER
Frank Zappa, Roxy and Elsewhere, Echidnas Arf, Tom Fowler on bass (and the wonderful but sadly late George Duke on keys). What a Romp!!! Recorded 1973, released 74.
My favorite Bass Player of all time is Verdine White (earth wind and fire)❤❤💯🎸🎸
Music to my 50 year old ears! September 1974 baby here. 👶
1974 here too. Wish I got a 1974 jazz bass for my 50th.
WSH there was @least 1 WHITE BASS PLAYER
@@theodoreritola7641 That wasn't a thing until the 80s. Ha
@@silkyb9869 ARE U SERIOUS?
@@silkyb9869 Have u ever heard of WILD CHERRY PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC WHITE BOY 1976 AVE WHITE BAND PICK UP THE PIECES 1975 JUST 2 HUGE HIT SONGS BY WHITE MEN IN THE MID 70s ALONE
@theodoreritola7641 Yeah, I used to play that in a cover band. I was kidding brother
Dude, you a bad man!!! Love your articulation of these classics. You play like you were born with an instrument in your hands. HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂
Keep the great work. Peace
To this day the 70s is still undefeated 💯🔥🔥🔥