Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius (born as: John Francis Pastorius III, December 1, 1951–September 21, 1987) was a jazz bassist and composer who was notable for his amazing technique and virtuoso playing style. His influence on the modern electric bass cannot be overestimated. He is responsible for the popularization of fretless electric bass and introduced a textural approach and harmonic sense to bass playing that became the signature "Jaco" sound. This style of playing is heard everywhere today. Later in his life he had problems with drugs and mental health, leading to his decline. He is undoubtedly one of the few jazz bassists to make an impact not only in jazz music, but in many other genres as well.

Reference

• Bill Milkowski; Jaco: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius, "The World's Greatest Bass Player"; Miller Freeman Books, San Francisco; ISBN 0-87930-361-1 (1st edition, hardcover, 1995)