Long Live the King

Happy Birthday to my Uncle and Idol Michael Jackson. There will never be another MJ, period. He raised the bar so high that those closest to it can only look up and marvel at how far they have still yet to travel.

The fun we shared and the great memories I have with him will last me a lifetime.

I miss and love him so much and will work hard to make him proud and continue his legacy.

I think Berry Gordy said it best at the Michael Jackson memorial service.

"The King of Pop isn't big enough for him... He is simply the Greatest Entertainer that ever lived."

Taryll's Birthday

If you want to send birthday wishes to Taryll, post them here.  :-)

My Birthday

Can't believe it's my birthday today and that I am now 36. Seems pretty old.. Funny thing is, I still feel like I'm in my early 20's. :-)

Tj's Birthday

Many of you have asked me to send birthday wishes to Tj. You can post them here. He'll be happy to read them.

Great Bass Lines and Bass Songs

As many of you know by now, I really love the bass guitar. My true love for bass goes back to when I was just a child. It didn't take any time to realize that most of my favorite songs had great memorable bass lines. There was definitely a connection. That's what made me want to pick up the bass in the first place. When my uncle Jermaine found out I was starting to learn the bass, he gave me his Gold Fender Jazz Bass. Not only was it beautiful, but it sounded and played great. I still enjoy using it today. By the way, who's my favorite bassist of all time? Besides my uncle Jermaine :-) of course, it has to be Paul McCartney. The bass lines he creates and plays are so melodic and memorable. It's been one of my dreams to learn how to play like him.

So what are some of my favorite bass lines?

Let's do Jackson family first...

• I Want You Back
• Petals
• Sugar Daddy
• Smooth Criminal
• Billie Jean
• Can you feel it
• Shake your body
• Thriller
• You Want This

Next up, Paul Simon...

• You Can Call Me Al
• Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

How about a little Queen...

• Under Pressure
• Another One Bites The Dust

And my favorite... Paul McCartney

• With A Little Help From My Friends
• Something
• Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite

I also LOVE the "walking" bass style he uses in...

• All My Loving
• Penny Lane

Here are the rest of them in no particular order....

• Everyday I Write the Book (Elvis Costello)
• Lovely Day (Bill Withers)
• Take A Walk On The Wild Side (Lou Reed)
• Super Freak (Rick James)
• The Joker (Steve Miller Band)
• Rock the Boat (Hues Corporation)
• Video Killed The Radio Star (Buggles)
• Back On The Chain Gang (Pretenders)
• I Love the Nightlife (Alicia Bridges)

Did I miss any? What are some of your favorites?