Louis Johnson Bass Solo, Brothers Johnson Live 1979

[@etpslick100]

It's a shame there's so much negativity in this world. Louis just passed away on May 21St of this year. He was one of the greatest thumpers that ever play the instrument. He left an imprint in a lot of bass players, me included. I was playing Rufus's song 'tonight we love' and Louis just killed that song! Solo and all, on a fretless stingray bass @ that! Classic old school funk at it's finest. We lost a pioneer. Let's pay tribute and respect to a legend of the low register! May he R.I.P. Thank you Louis for all the great music you gave us. My condolences goes to George and the rest of the family.

[@FrankAndTinaOfficial]

I played Bass professionally for about 30 years. And one of the best people to teach me was Louis Johnson on his Teaching video I bought at the music store. RIP and I hope to play with you Louis in that big band in the sky one day! @etpslick couldn't agree more!

[@7777Lace]

Agreed 👍🏽

[@valeriewright1169]

Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson was cold blooded playing that bass guitar. He was beyond BAD!!!!!!! Musical Genius Period. RIP Louis. You showed up and definitely showed OUT!!!!

[@ronbo11]

He officially blew my mind! Louis Johnson was an amazing player and ranks up there with Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, and Stanley Clark for me.

[@oholm09]

Marcus Miller

[@lonelyman1967]

Victor Wooten as well

[@charlestrane]

Louis Johnson was a bass "freak of nature". 1 in a million. RIP Thunder Thumbs.

[@williamhunter5549]

Does anyone else make the stank face watching this great great man do his thing? RIPOWER Louis Johnson

[@queenmoultrie5149]

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THAN LOUIS JOHNSON

One of the greatest studio bassist of all time.. You can see where Flea got a lot of his inspiration and thumbing technique(as well as thousands of others that came after him).. Just a Pioneer of the bass guitar. Could listen to Louis solo all day long!

[@YBHJLH]

R.I.P. Louis Johnson. Much love to your brother and family.

[@samiam7342]

Louis was so ahead of his time when it came to playing bass..................

[@richardmasters2045]

This is what kept my friends and I out of gangs and off the streets. We wanted to learn how to play so we picked up a bass instead of a gun. Every street had a band and we would have battle of the bands every weekend. Dam I miss those days, y'all kids missed out smh

[@timanania66]

May God bless Louis Johnson and may we all celebrate his through his Funky music with the Brothers johnson. Louis recorded with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson,Herbie Hancock and played with Top World Class Bands and Artists covering many different genre`s through his Blood Sweat and Tears Louis reached a different level he truly Funkasized and Electrified us all by Thumping, Pluck,& Bass Chops style,Louis consummated Slap bass playing. Thunder Thumbs as his nickname a unique God given talent he put out his own Bass lesson licks video`s he become the absolute,undisputed master of it,and we all should be thankful for now that is the whole truth. Louis Johnson was the Funk the whole Funk and nothing but the Funk>>> Peace be with you always Brother

[@Lowclef]

I started playing bass because of how cool Louis Johnson was on stage.

[@haylotroutman5871]

I’m a 70s baby girl. There is a picture I have of me holding the bass at six ! My uncles were musicians and they listened to The Brothers Johnson All the Time. So I knew who they were, lol Louis Johnson was my inspiration, even then lol. I couldn’t play it well at 6, but I pretended that I could.🤣🤣🤣GOOD TIMES! Love and light to all who reads this.

[@kool-ki7739]

Can he be unsung and legendary at the same time?...Rest In Peace Louis Johnson 1955-2015

[@restojon1]

Seriously, how "tuned in" are this bassist and drummer? That's what being in a band really means, knowing eachother and reacting instantaneously whilst just fitting in that pocket of the beat without dropping it, plus being able to provide bridges out for the other player to move from one riff to another. Love that Stingray sound too.

[@tonywilcher]

Who cares who is the best? Louis could make that bass talk to you bruh, dude was a beast! Real talk💯

[@donaldbaker4634]

Agreed who cares but Louis was the best

[@bkkersey93]

@@donaldbaker4634 Like a stupid ass, you missed the point.

[@zorro1955]

Tony Wilcher - his bass talked to me too

[@randallmiller5610]

@@zorro1955 dont worry I hear it too man!!

[@cary3428]

True words brother. Ain’t no best, some just better than others . Whatever you like, it’s out there

[@AnnaAnnaYes]

Rest Well Louis Johnson.Tell all the greats we said hello.

[@darlenestreet6881]

I wish there was more videos on the The Brothers Johnson's music. They are one of the best funk groups ever and i miss there music.

[@dels9443]

Marc Adams of Slave fame... so many great moments during that period...Funk at its height... actually had an opportunity to see both Louis Johnson and Larry Graham on the same stage that was awesome l!!!

[@Chrissy411]

They have a KZbin channel with all their songs

[@etpslick100]

I have a Ernie Ball original stingray with the 2 band eq I bought n 1988. (when Ernie ball bought the company). Awesome bass! Awesome tone! Never gonna get rid of it! Louis is the ONLY bass player that can break a bass string and STILL play funky! Love that solo! Timeless! 

[@UNbowed62]

RIP Louis Johnson. We were in awe of your great bass thumbing.

[@jacuzmartin]

I was first introduced to the Brothers Johnson when in high school in the late 70's. This multi talented duo opened my eyes, and ears to what would become my music of choice. Pure Funk. They remain a huge piece of my music collection, and always will. Godspeed Mr Johnson, on your journey home. RIP

[@spacexstarbasetexas]

Louis Johnson ..the ultimate Bass Player // he was the BASS on the MJ Album - off the wall & Triller // he was the Magic for those 2 Albums

[@hlinda0]

Rest In Paradise Louis !! Thanks for the great music!

[@shannonk.6528]

The baddest and the best bass player of all time! RIP Louis Johnson and thank you for sharing your talent with us. God bless you.

[@sallymerkison962]

All about that Bass, not only was a pleasure to watch him perform, but Thankful to be able to still hear his Music...RIP

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

AMAZING bassist...WOW😳!!!

[@spiderscantfloat]

RIP Louis... I hate how late in life I discovered you.

[@pondlife9931]

There must be some jam going on in Heaven, seeing how so many many great musicians died too soon.

[@alwilliams7912]

Why is that every time a person post a video on KZbin of a musician, People flood the comments with who they think is better. As if the artist on the video doesn't deserve to just be admired for his musicianship. I swear it's annoying as heck. I read the comments to get opinions on the artist, but no matter how great are revolutionary the artist is, I have to read " oh artist X is better then him/her. What a waste of a debate.

[@bkkersey93]

That pisses me off. On a video of Larry Graham and Mark King, a couple of idiots wanted to say that Mark is better than Larry. Im a huge level 42 and Mark King fan, but someone should knock the shit out of those idiots.

[@jebbohn]

Al Williams I could not agree more. It's all subjective, as one player may possess all of the technical ability in the world, but whose playing may come off as sterile. Conversely, another player may be less technically inclined but be incredibly adept at expressing emotion through their playing. Then, you have those who have a perfect balance of technicality and feel, though even that is subjective. People seem to invest so much of themselves in these type of debates that any differing opinion is seen as confrontational or offensive, when all it is is another person's ideas. What we should all be focusing on is the amount of talent out there, those who can make us feel a multitude of emotions through music. That is a beautiful thing.

[@championcole]

Al Williams I totally agree....pisses me off. Especially today learning of Louis passing....I won't even bother reading below your comment...I came here for sentimental reasons.......Thank you for saying what I would've normally said....

[@austinwagner536]

Al Williams Music ain't a competition but some folks sure want it to be...

[@UNbowed62]

Agreed. Some ppl have no musical skills themselves so those are quick to denigrate the talent of others or "rate" one accomplished artist against another. No real appreciation for aesthetic aspects of each brilliant performer.

[@Dr3wCreative]

A true Inspiration a talented Bass Player, Songwriter and Musician. Louis Johnson R.I.P

[@DangerousDave757]

Thank you Louis J for inspiring my bass playing more than most others by far

[@simom813]

I was at this show. Went to it with my brother and some of our band mates. Tottaly effin awesome.

[@matthewdagnan3396]

Love to hear anything Louis plays!! Damn son

[@yvandutlase7768]

c était un très bon bassman ce louis johnson , RIP MR Louis Johnson

[@SW-jw6il]

😎 Lovin & Funkin in Texas USA 🇺🇸

[@johnnymac1109]

It's all about the ideas and musicality in bass solos and Louis is no exception a perfectly executed improvised masterpiece!

[@stevenscott9983]

Another great one gone, R.I.P. Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson

[@DaVinciCelone1]

My favorite bass player. Thanks for sharing.

[@barbfrmsf]

may he rest in peace thanks for sharing your talent with us have a great day

[@dezziwood555]

RIP Louis. Remember this is a 1979 bass solo.

[@orlandojohnson5742]

I still find myself in awe listening & watching this man play/slap that bass! He’s missed like other great musicians/artists! You know you’re bad when Fender customizes a bass guitar for you! He was overseas showing people how he played this bass guitar! There is footage of him in Japan or China!? A pioneer to the new bass sound! Along with Larry Graham!

[@nuclearbox2]

Man he plays incredibly clean slap bass. I'm not used to hearing it like that

[@BruthaVIII]

Incredible bass -- and that drummer is also very talented.

[@morrisman64]

Thanks for the post Louis is awesume

[@willielee8923]

Wonderful bass player!! RIP Sir!!

[@BBQFanNo1]

Thunder thumbs himself the late Mr. Louis Johnson of Brothers Johnson. Orgasm to my ears. Now this is how music should still sound like today.

[@Opticlogic]

Thanks for posting that vid.. that was great and that was a great time to be alive when music was alive and musicians spoke through music

[@magprob]

Rest In Peace Brother Louis. You and Entwistle got it all covered.

[@ErixSamson]

Unique, impactful style.

[@silkyrobinson5079]

I will clarify that Lewis Johnson is definitely one of the best at putting these bass lines in songs and playing it to the melody the cat is baddddd👑☂️🍀

[@bkkersey93]

Just like one of the guys below said this clip was once on here but dissappeared somehow and I was pissed! Thankd for the upload!

[@ricolarin2274]

Wouuu an Bassartist par excellence wih a hell ofGroove, u can't find not that easy today, can not hear that fast how fast he play's the Bass, and I love it just perfect as it is, first Class Artist.

[@bihmthethird]

Whoever thumbed this video down, please understand that the Funk is not in them or with them... Love, A Funkateer

[@sylviawilliams1120]

How do u k ow it might be with all of us

[@deadeven7712]

Funk em

[@thegrahammer]

What a great musician and that stingray is absolutely beautiful

[@nubian47]

Louis in addition to be crazy funky with his slap/pull technique was also a hell of a player,which is why Quincy Jones loved using him as a session player.

[@dslapster64]

Absolutely brilliant. I have the same model stingray from 1977. Great basses.

[@dbass9767]

Love Louis Johnson Great Bassist!

[@6402680]

Mission accomplished my brother. Fly on soldier.

[@seansylvesterspencer3818]

Did he bless his thumb often? I remember them early o clock and...o boy...I still am stunned watching Louis and...yep...THE THUMB!

[@juliacarodine2807]

RIP, Louis......you WILL be missed!

[@lwmson]

Actually, this was 1978 at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD. I know because I was there .

[@JAJIVV006]

Went to same show in Roanoke, Va....AWESOME!!!

[@RicardoBaker]

he is a great musician...his music is incredible!

[@silvav3621]

Louis Johnson one of greatest bassist who I know

[@james220372]

Thank you for sharing this video. What an incredible musician.

[@sylviawilliams1120]

U welcome

[@newwine382]

Sumbitch iz duh mother-of-pearl!!!Damn best Bass solo i have never heard. I sawed it life.

[@annmartinez550]

Made this man be remembered for the slaps ,Plucking’s,hammering and Dumping. Play on play on play on Mr. bass man.Yes Purify funk....

[@SavingForever]

RIP Louis From ImPossible

[@marcotacchini801]

The best .... Thise is very slap !

[@antney6256]

Louis Johnson my Hero!!

[@lamontbrumfield9651]

Still one of my heroes. .

[@Jack-pp2ng]

Holy shit so damn funky

[@MultiHondaa]

And that's why I purchased a Stingray. They sound freaking awesome.

[@catboyzee]

Larry is the Godfather of Slap hands-down. But Louis is one the great-uncles of Slap. He also helped popularize the Music Man Stingray, one of the greatest bass guitars ever built(which was, not surprisingly, co-designed by Leo Fender). No doubt its characteristic upper midrange burp and active EQ inspired the sound of many of today's boutique bass guitars...

[@doclouiowa]

If this was Baltimore and not the Cap Centre, then I was there. First concert I attended. Mother's Finest, Heatwave and the Brothers Johnson. You always remember your first time.

[@GoGoNative]

In the video, he asks did y'all like that DC? It's the Cap Centre

[@Fam4ever127]

Lou,Lou you are thee best!!! Rip

[@patrickkelley4463]

I think this is an awsome bass solo I play bass and wish I could be that good

[@531chaz]

Brother, that sound!

[@petranochka]

Rest in peace Louis...gone too soon.

[@nickybareau3639]

I always laugh with joy when I see something like this!!!!

[@troybranch]

Well said sir , and i feel the same way.

[@riccobarnes9746]

He’s also the bass man on some of Michael Jackson’s biggest albums such Off The Wall and Thriller !!!!!

[@chiphargis3703]

And Grover Washington Jr.

[@AlaanPlacenciaTimoteo]

Maestro de maestros descansa en paz y siga rockeando en el cielo.

[@donwilliams6702]

besides that Louis Johnson took Larry Graham's invention to the next level

[@SEGBASS]

Jesus Christ.....thank you soooo much for this!!

[@johncarlosmascareno1581]

Louis Johnson bassist hit *Get on The Floor * MJ

[@fidelcontreras4167]

El mejor, el primero, el que diseño la técnica de slap, en el año 1979 ya se manda a estos solos en vivo 😎

[@FacepalmNinja995]

This is absolutely magical

[@dslapster64]

The bass is actually a 1977 all original. I bought it years ago.. It's still my favorite axe.

[@holdencaustic]

Louis Johnson vs Stingray: everyone wins. Period.

[@nozzatron]

Wish i could see all of this show XD

[@stylisticsbluemagic5910]

that 1 dislike isn't feeling funky...cause Louis can groove the bass...

[@holdencaustic]

Louis is SO the man!!!

[@MrAngelitopito]

Thanks for uploading! this video was lost some time ago. I like so much, this is awesome!

[@cehayes74]

FUNK MY SOUL !!!

[@TheTkirk]

I couldnt agree more with the last post. Just SHUT UP and admire or just turn the page. Anyway this guy was such an insperation to my bass playing back then and I never saw him live,just listening to him on his and other records he played on back in those days!

[@anitabooker1311]

people mock what they don't understand. show some respect and appreciate this great bass guitarist and stop hating so damn much. Luv u and will miss you thunder thumbs.

[@TheTkirk]

Very well said Anita.

[@anitabooker1311]

+TheTkirk Thanks Tkirk

[@TheTkirk]

+Anita Booker No problem. My name is Tony Pedro by the way. Nice to meet you!

[@anitabooker1311]

+TheTkirk nice to meet you Tkirk.

[@RastaSaiyaman]

Louis was probably the first player to use the Musicman stingray. Or at least one of the first.

[@bmanrox5542]

Many of his basses were given to him by Leo himself, when he started Musicman after selling Fender. Leo gave them to him to promote his new stuff, so yeah, I think he was the first to use it.

[@PhuckHue2]

Leo created the bass for Louis

[@Vpmatt]

It's not just the brilliant playing that sets him apart, it's the brilliant playing with all those ridiculous fucking tassels bouncing over the strings that truly demonstrates his genius.

[@kurtadams3021]

RIP brother Louis Johnson. FUNK LEGEND

[@eaa6347]

Funk is about taste and space. This man rules.

[@tedkay3750]

LARRY GRAHAM the father of thumping! and slapping! louis, like most talented artist can do! they take it to the next level! gotta give the props to the originator ,because no LARRY , NO FUNKY BASS! Great SOLO! REALLY! OFF THE chain! hands super fast!

[@p.melvinshyturtle3722]

Baddest of the bad! Super-effin-Bad!