James Jamerson (January 29, 1938 - August 2, 1983) was an American musician. He was the uncredited bass guitarist on most of Motown Records' hits in the 1960s and early 1970s (Motown did not list credits on their releases until 1971), and he has become regarded as one of the most influential bass guitar players in modern music history. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Jamerson was known for his unique RH technique for playing the electric bass.