One of the most widely recognized and beloved disco songs of all time is Cheryl Lynn’s “Got to be Real,” released in 1978. This song has been covered and sampled countless times over the past four decades and remains a staple of dance parties everywhere. The infectious groove of this tune is due in part to the fantastic bassline, which drives the entire song forward. Have you ever wondered who played bass on “Got to be Real”? Keep reading to find out!
The Players
The bass player on “Got to be Real” was David Shields, a highly respected session musician of the 70s and 80s. Shields was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1948 and began playing bass at a young age. He played with several local acts before moving to Los Angeles in the mid-70s to pursue a career in music.
In LA, David Shields quickly established himself as a go-to session player, working with some of the biggest names in the industry. He played with Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and Billy Idol, to name just a few. Shields was known for his versatility and ability to play in a wide range of styles, from jazz and R&B to rock and roll and country.
The Session
The recording of “Got to be Real” was a collaborative effort, featuring some of the best musicians of the day. In addition to David Shields on bass, the track featured David Paich on keyboards, James Gadson on drums, and Ray Parker Jr. on guitar. This group of players was nicknamed the “A-Team” and was responsible for many of the most iconic recordings of the era.
According to Shields, the recording of “Got to be Real” was relatively straightforward. The musicians had all worked together before and were familiar with each other’s playing styles. They recorded the track live, with everyone playing together in the same room. The result was a tight, cohesive performance that captured the energy of the song.
The Legacy of “Got to be Real”
“Got to be Real” has stood the test of time and remains relevant today. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Mary J. Blige, Will Smith, and Mariah Carey. It has also been sampled in countless hip hop and R&B tracks, most notably by Tupac, Jennifer Lopez, and Kanye West.
Part of the song’s longevity can be attributed to the fantastic musicianship on display, including David Shields’ bass playing. The bassline is simple but effective, driving the song forward and providing the foundation for the infectious groove. The song’s success is also due to its universal message of authenticity and self-expression, which resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
David Shields’ bass playing on “Got to be Real” helped make the song a timeless classic. The groove he created, along with the rest of the “A-Team,” has inspired countless musicians over the past four decades and continues to be celebrated today. Shields’ impressive career as a session musician has left an indelible mark on the music world, and his work on “Got to be Real” is just one example of his incredible talent.
FAQ
Did Kris Kristofferson write?
Kris Kristofferson is a renowned American country singer, songwriter and actor who has had a successful career in the music and entertainment industry. One of the major aspects of his career was his songwriting ability. Kristofferson has written several songs that have become hits and gained immense popularity among fans of country music.
Among the notable songs that Kristofferson has written include “Me and Bobby McGee”, “For the Good Times”, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”, and “Help Me Make It Through the Night”. These songs were not only popular but also showcased the depth of Kristofferson’s songwriting skills. Many of these songs were later recorded by other famous artists, bringing his work to a wider audience.
Kristofferson’s talents were not limited to songwriting alone. He was also a gifted singer and performer, with a distinctive voice and style that captured the attention of audiences across multiple genres.
Over his long and storied career, Kris Kristofferson has established himself as a true legend in the music industry. His contributions as both a songwriter and performer have left an indelible mark on the history of country music, inspiring countless performers in the generations that followed. Today, his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world.
Who really wrote Billie Jean?
The question of who really wrote the iconic song “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson has been a long-standing debate. Despite the controversy, it is confirmed that Jackson himself actually wrote the song, along with co-producing it with Quincy Jones.
“Billie Jean” was released as the second single from Michael Jackson’s best-selling album ‘Thriller’ in 1982. The song quickly became a hit, topping the charts in several countries around the world, and has since been recognized as one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
The story behind the song is just as memorable as the song itself. Jackson reveals that the inspiration behind the song was a real-life situation that he experienced where a female fan had claimed that he was the father of one of her twins. Jackson’s distress over the situation is reflected in the lyrics of the song, which describe an obsessive fan who claimed that the protagonist was the father of her child.
The song’s iconic rhythm, melody, and hook made it an instant classic, and Jackson’s unique voice and performance cemented it as a fan favorite. The success of Billie Jean was so great that it won two Grammy Awards and remains one of Jackson’s most celebrated songs.
While the question of who wrote “Billie Jean” has been up for debate for years, the fact is that Michael Jackson wrote the song himself. His unique interpretation of the lyrics, combined with a classic pop sound and unforgettable performance, created one of the most enduring pop songs of all time.
Did Michael Jackson write his own lyrics?
Michael Jackson was a prolific songwriter and is known to have written many of his own songs. In fact, he wrote over 150 songs throughout his career, many of which became hits and earned him multi-million performance status on American radio and television. Some of his most famous songs, including “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It,” were written by Jackson himself.
Jackson began writing songs at a young age and had a natural talent for music. He was involved in the production and writing process of most of his albums, including “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” He worked closely with legendary producer Quincy Jones on many of these albums, but it was Jackson’s unique creative vision that drove the music forward.
Many of Jackson’s songs were deeply personal, drawing on his own experiences and emotions. For example, “Billie Jean” was rumored to have been inspired by a real-life stalker who claimed that Jackson was the father of her child. Jackson denied the claim and wrote the song as a way to express his frustration and anger. Similarly, “Thriller” was inspired by Jackson’s love of horror movies and his desire to create a song that would be both scary and fun to dance to.
Despite his success as a songwriter, Jackson often worked with other writers and producers to help bring his ideas to life. He collaborated with artists like Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder to create some of his most popular songs. However, it’s important to note that even when working with other writers, Jackson maintained creative control and had the final say in the direction of his music.
Michael Jackson was a talented songwriter who wrote many of his own songs and had a significant impact on the music industry. He drew on his own experiences and emotions to create deeply personal and memorable music that continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.