Rolling Stone Readers Pick the Top Ten Bassists of All Time

Jaco Pastorius isn't a household name, but ask any serious bass player and they'll cite him as a legend virtually without peer. Pastorius began his musical career as a drummer, but an early wrist injury forced him to switch to the bass. He quickly mastered the instrument, becoming obsessed with jazz fusion. In the Seventies he was one of the most sought-after bassists in that field, playing with Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, Ian Hunter, Herbie Hancock and many others. His 1976 self-titled solo debut features contributions from Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Randy Brecker, David Sanborn and Sam & Dave. He struggled with bipolar disorder for much of his life, and died in 1982 after a vicious fight with a bouncer outside of a Florida club. He was just 35.