Today, we remember Jaco Pastorius. Any modern bass guitarist owes their talents and opportunities to this gentlemen. Originally a drummer, Mr. Pastorius injured his wrist at age 13, rendering him unable to play the drums anymore. That is when he picked up a bass to fill an open slot in his band at the time.
Mr. Pastorius would go on to teach bass guitar at the University of Miami, where he met and recorded with Pat Metheny. Mr. Pastorius' debut self-titled album featured Herbie Hancock, David Sanborn (Official), Lenny White and other jazz heavyweights and was highly acclaimed as one of the finest bass albums ever recorded.
Mr. Pastorius joined Weather Report that same year, becoming an integral part of the band during his five years as a member.
After leaving Weather Report in 1981, Mr. Pastorius would go on to have an extremely successful solo career until his death on September 21, 1987 due to a massive brain hemorrhagic, which resulted from a violent confrontation with a club bouncer.
Mr. Pastorius' discography consists of 14 solo albums, 8 albums with Weather Report and 15 collaborative albums, and he appears on numerous other acclaimed records. Rest in peace Jaco!
