Legendary Bassist Anthony Jackson, known for his pioneering work on the six-string contrabass passed away at 73. The news was confirmed by guitarist Al Di Meola in an Instagram post on Sunday.
He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and legendary bassist Anthony Jackson."
Calling his friend one of the most extraordinary musicians, he continued, " I've ever had the honor to play with a true innovator whose genius on the six-string contrabass reshaped modern music."
Anthony Jackson's cause of death is yet to be revealed, Al Di Meola announced the passing without providing any further details. However, in the past the legendary bassist was reported to have suffered multiple series of strokes and was later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
View this post on Instagram
Anthony Jackson is a renowned bassist known for his classic recordings, from Land of the Midnight Sun to Elegant Gypsy. The 73-year-old bassist started his musical journey on piano and later moved to guitar in his teens.
Closely following American bassists James Jamerson and Jack Casady as his idol, Jackson eventually gravitated to bass guitar.
Recalling Jackson's talent, Al Di Meola said, "He brought a power and sensitivity that could move anyone who listened."
Jackson's career kicked off in the Philadelphia soul, a music genre that was popular in the 1960s to 1970s, playing bass for Philadelphia International Records and touring with American singer Billy Paul.
Later, he rose to fame for playing the bass on Billy Paul's hit song "Me and Mrs. Jones" in 1972 which became his No.1 record.
Following two years, Jackson played for The O'Jays' song "For the Love of Money' that helped the track climb to No.9 on the pop chart and No.3 on the R&B chart.
What became his identity as a musician is his interest in expanding the sonic range of the bass. Jackson conceived the idea of a six-string contrabass guitar tuned BEADGC in 1974, which was later built for him by luthier Carl Thompson in 1975.
During his time, Jackson extensively toured and recorded music with the greats such as Al Di Meola, Carlos Garnett, and Roberta Flack.
