Ralph Bass

Ralph Bass
Birth nameRalph Basso, Jr.
Born(1911-05-01)May 1, 1911
The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
DiedMarch 5, 1997(1997-03-05) (aged 85)
New York City, U.S.
GenresJazz, R&B
Occupation(s)Record producer
A&R scout
Years active1941–1997
LabelsBlack and White
Savoy
King
Chess
MCA

Ralph Basso Jr. (May 1, 1911 – March 5, 1997), known as Ralph Bass,[a] was an American rhythm-and-blues record producer and talent scout for several independent labels. He was a pioneer in bringing African American music into the American mainstream. During his career he worked in key roles for Black & White Records, Savoy Records, King Records, Federal Records, and Chess Records, recording many leading performers, including Etta James, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Earl Bostic, and groups such as the Platters and the Dominoes. Bass was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a nonperformer.[1]


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  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Watrous was invoked but never defined (see the help page).