One of the unsung heroes of the Motown sound, James Jamerson was described by Motown founder Berry Gordy as "a genius on the bass...and incredible improviser in the studio and somebody I always wanted on my sessions." He was the anchor of the in-house group at Motown dubbed the Funk Brothers, and his groove-oriented melodicism brought about a broader awareness of the role and possibilities of the bass guitar. Jamerson died of pneumonia in 1983 at the age of 45. Click on the thumbnail to the right to see James Jamerson's Rockwalk Plaque. Click on the thumbnail to the right to see photos of James Jamerson.