By john dixon (205.188.209.109) on Monday, August 25, 2003 - 02:41 pm:

Consider this a great big ol' y'all come invitation to Charleston, South Carolina, as the city where the legendary bassist was born stages a two-day tribute to James Jamerson. My alma mater, the College of Charleston, is helping sponsor this event.

Thursday, September 18th--Return To The Source: Remembering Legendary Bassist James Jamerson-- 8pm at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture's McKinley Washington Auditorium.
The keynote speaker will be Carol Kaye (just kidding!). Basically, the first night is Meet The Jamerson's: widow Ann Jamerson and the whole Jamerson clan that still live on Edisto Island and in Charleston. The event will feature a display of Jamerson memorabilia, live music by the Jamerson family and Edisto Island musicians. Also, a book signing of "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown with Allan "Dr. Licks" Slutsky.

Friday, September 19th, beginning at 6pm, the Charleston premiere (finally!) of "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown", admission-$25, at the Sottile Theater, College of Charleston. RSVP by Sept. 15 at (843) 953-7609. A jazz reception follows the screening of SITSOM by Anthony McKnight, James' first cousin and President, South Carolina Chapter, Motown Alumni Association, and his band.(I've talked to Anthony and he says that he's been on the phone with all the Funk Brothers and it's quite possible that some may make an appearance on this night.)

If you decide to come to Charleston, I shouldn't have to tell you that there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful old city. You might even want to take the short drive out to Edisto to see where James spent his boyhood.
If you have any questions about the above itinerary, event times or lodgings, contact Karen Chandler with the Avery Research Center.
Her phone: (843) 953-7609
fax: 843 953-7607
e-mail: chandlerk@cofc.edu

In spite of the fact that this kind of recognition for a native son has long been overdue, awareness of James' accomplishments and influence is low in the city where he was born; these events should raise his profile considerably. One hopeful outcome of this tribute is to have James Jamerson inducted into the South Carolina Musicians Hall Of Fame. (A no-brainer if you ask me.) Except for Dizzy Gillespie, there's been no more important or influential musician to originate from South Carolina, EVER (and that certainly includes Chubby Checker!).

It would be great to see a few Soulful Detroiters here to celebrate the greatest electric bass player in the history of popular music!

By Larry (216.23.183.2) on Monday, August 25, 2003 - 02:57 pm:

John,

Thank you for posting this. What a trip it would be to walk on the banks where "Pops" grew up.

By Bassn for God (24.158.71.34) on Friday, August 29, 2003 - 08:32 pm:

John,
I am planning on being there myself, I am from the Upstate, near Greenville. I have requested info from Karen, via the phone and she emailed me directly. Do you know which if any of the Funk Brothers are coming? I heard there also may be a jam session friday night. Anyone close enough to attend this event should show their support for James and what he along with the Funk Brothers have done for music around the world. After finding out as much as I could about the man behind the driving bass line, I was amazed when things begin to show in print. I have read Dr. Licks book several times and will bring it with me. I have been intensely motivated by the Motown sound and drive my wife nuts listening for the bass line in every song we hear. She even comments on what the bass line sounds like. I am still hoping for a Funk Brothers concert in our general area sometime soon. See you there.
Keep the bass line strong and your heart in the song
Robert