Bryan Bassett
Encyclopedia
Bryan Bassett is an American guitarist who has played with several notable bands but is probably best known as a member of Wild Cherry
in the 1970s who had a huge hit with "Play That Funky Music
."
. He began playing with some local Pittsburgh bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s before joining Wild Cherry
in 1975 which was actually a reformation of a popular local Ohio band led by vocalist/guitarist Rob Parissi. They recorded the hit "Play That Funky Music
" that same year. Bassett plays the recognizable guitar figure that introduces the song. Bassett continued on with Wild Cherry until their breakup in 1979 and they charted a few more hits. He went on to a successful career as a music producer in the 1980s.
Bassett began teaching the Contemporary Ensemble class at Daytona State College in 2010.
's "Lonesome" Dave Peverett
. He joined his band which was billed as Lonesome Dave's Foghat and served as an alternate version of Foghat, touring separately from Foghat which was led by drummer Roger Earl
. He played with Lonesome Dave's Foghat until 1993 when Foghat's original lineup reformed. It was at this time that Bryan joined Molly Hatchet
and toured with them until 1999. This version of Molly Hatchet had original vocalist Danny Joe Brown
with it until 1996 but he left and they toured with no original members.
While Bryan was in Molly Hatchet, Foghat's original lineup began to fall apart once again as guitarist Rod Price
left the group in 1999. Bryan joined the band to take his place. Dave Peverett died the following year of cancer and was replaced by Charlie Huhn
. Bassett still performs with Foghat to this day.
Wild Cherry (band)
Wild Cherry was a funk/rock band best known for their funk song "Play That Funky Music".-History:Rob Parissi was raised in the steel mill town of Mingo Junction, Ohio. Parissi graduated from Mingo High School in 1968. Rob formed the band Wild Cherry in 1970 in Steubenville, Ohio, one mile north of...
in the 1970s who had a huge hit with "Play That Funky Music
Play That Funky Music
"Play That Funky Music" is a funk song written by Robert Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry. The performers on the classic recording included the members of the band at the time: lead singer Parissi, guitarist Bryan Bassett, bassist Allen Wentz, and drummer Ron Beitle, with session horn...
."
Early career
Bryan was born on August 11, 1954 in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
. He began playing with some local Pittsburgh bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s before joining Wild Cherry
Wild Cherry (band)
Wild Cherry was a funk/rock band best known for their funk song "Play That Funky Music".-History:Rob Parissi was raised in the steel mill town of Mingo Junction, Ohio. Parissi graduated from Mingo High School in 1968. Rob formed the band Wild Cherry in 1970 in Steubenville, Ohio, one mile north of...
in 1975 which was actually a reformation of a popular local Ohio band led by vocalist/guitarist Rob Parissi. They recorded the hit "Play That Funky Music
Play That Funky Music
"Play That Funky Music" is a funk song written by Robert Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry. The performers on the classic recording included the members of the band at the time: lead singer Parissi, guitarist Bryan Bassett, bassist Allen Wentz, and drummer Ron Beitle, with session horn...
" that same year. Bassett plays the recognizable guitar figure that introduces the song. Bassett continued on with Wild Cherry until their breakup in 1979 and they charted a few more hits. He went on to a successful career as a music producer in the 1980s.
Bassett began teaching the Contemporary Ensemble class at Daytona State College in 2010.
Molly Hatchet and Foghat
In 1989 Bassett formed a friendship with FoghatFoghat
Foghat are a British rock band that had their peak success in the mid- to late-1970s. Their style can be described as "blues-rock," or boogie-rock dominated by electric and electric slide guitar. The band has achieved five gold records...
's "Lonesome" Dave Peverett
Dave Peverett
David Peverett or Lonesome Dave was a British musician. He is best known as the original singer and rhythm guitarist of Foghat, which he founded following his tenure in Savoy Brown....
. He joined his band which was billed as Lonesome Dave's Foghat and served as an alternate version of Foghat, touring separately from Foghat which was led by drummer Roger Earl
Roger Earl
Roger Earl is the drummer of the band Foghat, famed for their relentless touring and strong live performances...
. He played with Lonesome Dave's Foghat until 1993 when Foghat's original lineup reformed. It was at this time that Bryan joined Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet is an American southern rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1975. They are widely known for their hit song "Flirtin' with Disaster" from the album of the same title. The band, founded by Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland, took its name from a prostitute who allegedly mutilated...
and toured with them until 1999. This version of Molly Hatchet had original vocalist Danny Joe Brown
Danny Joe Brown
Danny Joe Brown, was a member of the Southern rock group Molly Hatchet, and singer and co-writer of the band's biggest hits from the late 1970s....
with it until 1996 but he left and they toured with no original members.
While Bryan was in Molly Hatchet, Foghat's original lineup began to fall apart once again as guitarist Rod Price
Rod Price
Rod Price was an English guitarist who was best known for his work with the rock band Foghat...
left the group in 1999. Bryan joined the band to take his place. Dave Peverett died the following year of cancer and was replaced by Charlie Huhn
Charlie Huhn
Charlie Huhn is an American rock singer and guitarist. He got his start playing with Vic Amato, Andy Dennen and Al Lesert in the band Cirrus, in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan playing many gigs in West Michigan before joining Ted Nugent in 1978....
. Bassett still performs with Foghat to this day.