Joe Osborn
Encyclopedia
Joe Osborn is an American
bass guitar
virtuoso, notable for his work as a session musician
in Los Angeles
and Nashville
during the period from the 1960s through the 1980s. Osborn's work is widely admired by fellow musicians.
Osborn began his career working in local clubs, then played on a hit record by the singer Dale Hawkins
. He moved to Las Vegas
at age 20, and spent a year playing backup for country singer Bob Luman
. With legendary guitar player Roy Buchanan
among his bandmates, Osborn switched from guitar, his original instrument, to electric bass. In 1960, he, along with Allen "Puddler" Harris
, a native of Franklin Parish, also in northeastern Louisiana, and James Burton
, originally from Webster Parish, joined pop star Rick Nelson's backup band, where he spent four years. His playing on such Nelson hits as "Travellin' Man" began attracting wider notice, and he found opportunities to branch out into studio work with artists such as Johnny Rivers
.
When the Nelson band dissolved in 1964, Osborn turned to studio work full-time. For the next ten years, he was considered a "first-call" bassist among Los Angeles studio musicians (known as The Wrecking Crew
), and he worked with well-known producers such as Lou Adler
and Bones Howe
, frequently in combination with drummer Hal Blaine
and keyboardist Larry Knechtel
. His bass can be heard on many of the hit records cut in Los Angeles during that time, along with numerous film scores and television commercials.
In 1974, Osborn left Los Angeles and moved to the country and western
capital, Nashville. He continued an active studio career, playing behind such vocalists as Kenny Rogers
, Mel Tillis
, and Hank Williams, Jr.
One count listed Osborn as bassist on fifty-three No. 1 hits on the country charts.
Joe Osborn's instrument throughout most of his recording career was a 1960 Fender "stack-knob" Jazz Bass
, which was given to him by Fender just prior to touring in Australia with Nelson. Osborn said he was initially disappointed that Fender hadn't sent a Precision
model, which he had been using. But he said he grew to like the Jazz Bass because the narrower neck made it easier for his short fingers. He strung the bass with LaBella flatwounds that he didn't change for 20 years. Lakland
produces an Osborn signature model based on the artist's original Fender bass. His style is distinctive, with a resonant, bright tone produced, in part, by his use of a plectrum
(pick).
Many producers and arrangers chose to spotlight his contributions by mixing the bass line more prominently than had been customary, and incorporating brief bass solos into their arrangements. His playing can be heard on records by such well-known groups as the Mamas & the Papas
, The Association
, and The 5th Dimension. Osborn can be heard on Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water
" and the 5th Dimension's version of "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
."
Osborn also played on many of Neil Diamond
's major hits in the late 1960s and early to middle 1970s, including the hauntingly unique bass lines on "Holly Holy
" in 1969. In addition to his own playing, Osborn is also known for his discovery and encouragement of the popular brother-and-sister duo, The Carpenters
.
Osborn left Nashville in 1988 and settled in Keithville
in Caddo Parish near Shreveport
in northwestern Louisiana. As of 2005, he lived in semi-retirement. He still records occasionally, and sometimes plays in a family band called The Third Generation with his children and grandchildren.
In 2010, Osborn was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
.
He has had a signature bass, named the "Joe Osborn Signature", made by American guitar manufacturer Lakland
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
virtuoso, notable for his work as a session musician
Session musician
Session musicians are instrumental and vocal performers, musicians, who are available to work with others at live performances or recording sessions. Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble and often do not achieve fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders...
in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
during the period from the 1960s through the 1980s. Osborn's work is widely admired by fellow musicians.
Osborn began his career working in local clubs, then played on a hit record by the singer Dale Hawkins
Dale Hawkins
Delmar Allen "Dale" Hawkins was a pioneer American rock singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist who was often called the architect of swamp rock boogie...
. He moved to Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
at age 20, and spent a year playing backup for country singer Bob Luman
Bob Luman
Bob Luman was an American country and rockabilly singer.-Early life and career:...
. With legendary guitar player Roy Buchanan
Roy Buchanan
Roy Buchanan was an American guitarist and blues musician. A pioneer of the Telecaster sound, Buchanan was a sideman and solo artist, with two gold albums early in his career, and two later solo albums that made it on to the Billboard chart. Despite never having achieved stardom, he is still...
among his bandmates, Osborn switched from guitar, his original instrument, to electric bass. In 1960, he, along with Allen "Puddler" Harris
Allen "Puddler" Harris
Allen W. "Puddler" Harris is a rock and roll and country musician who played piano in the original Ricky Nelson Band in Hollywood, California, and the last Jimmie Davis band in Louisiana...
, a native of Franklin Parish, also in northeastern Louisiana, and James Burton
James Burton
James Burton is an American guitarist. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2001 , Burton has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame...
, originally from Webster Parish, joined pop star Rick Nelson's backup band, where he spent four years. His playing on such Nelson hits as "Travellin' Man" began attracting wider notice, and he found opportunities to branch out into studio work with artists such as Johnny Rivers
Johnny Rivers
Johnny Rivers is an American rock and roll singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. His styles include folk songs, blues, and revivals of old-time rock 'n' roll songs and some original material...
.
When the Nelson band dissolved in 1964, Osborn turned to studio work full-time. For the next ten years, he was considered a "first-call" bassist among Los Angeles studio musicians (known as The Wrecking Crew
The Wrecking Crew (music)
The Wrecking Crew was a nickname coined by the drummer Hal Blaine after the fact for a group of session musicians in Los Angeles, California, who earned wide acclaim in the 1960s. They backed dozens of popular singers, and were one of the most successful "groups" of studio musicians in music history...
), and he worked with well-known producers such as Lou Adler
Lou Adler
Lou Adler is an American record producer, manager, and director.-Life and career:Adler was born in Chicago, Illinois in December 1933, and raised in East Los Angeles. In 1964, Adler founded and co-owned Dunhill Records. He was President of the label as well as the chief record producer from 1964...
and Bones Howe
Bones Howe
Dayton Burr "Bones" Howe is a Grammy-award-winning record producer and recording engineer associated with 1960s and 1970s hits, mostly of the sunshine pop genre, including most of the hits of The 5th Dimension and The Association, as well as music supervision of several films...
, frequently in combination with drummer Hal Blaine
Hal Blaine
Hal Blaine is an American drummer and session musician. He is most known for his work with the Wrecking Crew in California. Blaine played on numerous hits by popular groups, including Elvis Presley, John Denver, the Ronettes, Simon & Garfunkel, the Carpenters, the Beach Boys, Nancy Sinatra, and...
and keyboardist Larry Knechtel
Larry Knechtel
Lawrence William "Larry" Knechtel was an American keyboard player and bassist, best known for his work as a session musician with such artists as Simon & Garfunkel, Duane Eddy, The Beach Boys, The Mamas & the Papas, The Partridge Family, The Doors, and Elvis Presley, and as a member of the 1970s...
. His bass can be heard on many of the hit records cut in Los Angeles during that time, along with numerous film scores and television commercials.
In 1974, Osborn left Los Angeles and moved to the country and western
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
capital, Nashville. He continued an active studio career, playing behind such vocalists as Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers
Kenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
, Mel Tillis
Mel Tillis
Lonnie Melvin Tillis , known professionally as Mel Tillis, is an American country music singer. Although he recorded songs since the late 1950s, his biggest success occurred in the 1970s, with a long list of Top 10 hits....
, and Hank Williams, Jr.
Hank Williams, Jr.
Randall Hank Williams , better known as Hank Williams, Jr. and Bocephus, is an American country singer-songwriter and musician. His musical style is often considered a blend of Southern rock, blues, and traditional country...
One count listed Osborn as bassist on fifty-three No. 1 hits on the country charts.
Joe Osborn's instrument throughout most of his recording career was a 1960 Fender "stack-knob" Jazz Bass
Fender Jazz Bass
The Jazz Bass was the second model of electric bass created by Leo Fender. The bass is distinct from the Precision Bass in that its tone is brighter and richer in the midrange and treble with less emphasis on the fundamental harmonic...
, which was given to him by Fender just prior to touring in Australia with Nelson. Osborn said he was initially disappointed that Fender hadn't sent a Precision
Fender Precision Bass
The Fender Precision Bass is an electric bass.Designed by Leo Fender as a prototype in 1950 and brought to market in 1951, the Precision was the first electric bass to earn widespread attention and use. A revolutionary instrument for the time, the Precision Bass has made an immeasurable impact on...
model, which he had been using. But he said he grew to like the Jazz Bass because the narrower neck made it easier for his short fingers. He strung the bass with LaBella flatwounds that he didn't change for 20 years. Lakland
Lakland
Lakland Guitars is a Chicago, Illinois-based manufacturer of electric bass guitars. The company's first bass combined elements of the Fender Jazz Bass and the Music Man StingRay. The company's current line-up includes basses inspired by classics like the Fender Precision Bass and Jazz Bass as...
produces an Osborn signature model based on the artist's original Fender bass. His style is distinctive, with a resonant, bright tone produced, in part, by his use of a plectrum
Plectrum
A plectrum is a small flat tool used to pluck or strum a stringed instrument. For hand-held instruments such as guitars and mandolins, the plectrum is often called a pick, and is a separate tool held in the player's hand...
(pick).
Many producers and arrangers chose to spotlight his contributions by mixing the bass line more prominently than had been customary, and incorporating brief bass solos into their arrangements. His playing can be heard on records by such well-known groups as the Mamas & the Papas
The Mamas & the Papas
The Mamas & the Papas were a Canadian/American vocal group of the 1960s . The group recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968 with a short reunion in 1971, releasing five albums and 11 Top 40 hit singles...
, The Association
The Association
The Association is a pop music band from California in the folk rock or soft rock genre. During the 1960s, they had numerous hits at or near the top of the Billboard charts and were the lead-off band at 1967's Monterey Pop Festival...
, and The 5th Dimension. Osborn can be heard on Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water
Bridge over Troubled Water (song)
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" is the title song of Simon & Garfunkel's album of the same name. The single was released on January 26, 1970, though it also appears on the live album Live 1969, released in 2008. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on February 28, 1970, and stayed at...
" and the 5th Dimension's version of "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
"Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" is a medley of two songs written for the 1967 musical Hair by James Rado & Gerome Ragni , and Galt MacDermot , released as a single by The 5th Dimension. The song peaked at number one for six weeks on the U.S...
."
Osborn also played on many of Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond
Neil Leslie Diamond is an American singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades from the 1960s until the present....
's major hits in the late 1960s and early to middle 1970s, including the hauntingly unique bass lines on "Holly Holy
Holly Holy
"Holly Holy" is a song written and recorded by Neil Diamond. Released as a single in October 1969, it was quite successful as the follow-on to "Sweet Caroline", reaching number 6 on the U.S. pop singles chart by December...
" in 1969. In addition to his own playing, Osborn is also known for his discovery and encouragement of the popular brother-and-sister duo, The Carpenters
The Carpenters
Carpenters were an American vocal and instrumental duo, consisting of sister Karen and brother Richard Carpenter. The Carpenters were the #1 selling American music act of the 1970s. Though often referred to by the public as "The Carpenters", the duo's official name on authorized recordings and...
.
Osborn left Nashville in 1988 and settled in Keithville
Keithville, Louisiana
Keithville is an unincorporated community in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies to the south of Shreveport along U.S. Route 171. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 71047. Along with a large elementary and middle school, Keithville has several...
in Caddo Parish near Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
in northwestern Louisiana. As of 2005, he lived in semi-retirement. He still records occasionally, and sometimes plays in a family band called The Third Generation with his children and grandchildren.
In 2010, Osborn was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame is an IRS certified 501 non-profit organization based in the state capitol of Baton Rouge, La., that seeks to preserve Louisiana's rich music culture and heritage and to further educate its citizens and people worldwide about the state’s unique role contributing...
.
He has had a signature bass, named the "Joe Osborn Signature", made by American guitar manufacturer Lakland
Lakland
Lakland Guitars is a Chicago, Illinois-based manufacturer of electric bass guitars. The company's first bass combined elements of the Fender Jazz Bass and the Music Man StingRay. The company's current line-up includes basses inspired by classics like the Fender Precision Bass and Jazz Bass as...
.