Samson Presents Bass Award To Nate Watts

...more than 500 industry insiders and an array of performers to honor Watts.

Since 1974 Watts has been an indispensable part of Stevie Wonder’s rhythm section and has served as his musical director for the last 12 years. He has recorded on every Stevie Wonder album beginning with Songs in the Key of Life. Watts has also recorded with a number of other superstars including Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, the Pointer Sisters, and Jeffrey Osborne.

Stevie Wonder appeared at the event, introducing Watts and summing up the last 36 years of his musical career with Watts by his side. “Nate Watts is not only my bass player, he’s the world’s bass player,” Stevie said. Then he brought the rest of his band out and launched into a rousing version of “I Wish.”

Many musicians paid tribute to Watts, known and loved throughout the community as a personable and approachable player. A long list of bassists sitting in included Byron Miller, Freddie Washington, J.D. DeServio, Marcus Miller, Stu Hamm, and Victor Wooten.

The band was led by Watts and comprised most of Stevie Wonder’s band including vocalists Keith John, Kimberly Brewer and Lynn Fiddmont; Roman Johnson and Victoria Theodore on keyboards; Munyogo Jackson and Fausto Cuevas III on percussion; Stanley Randolph on drums; and Kyle Bolden on guitar. The list of additional performers who paid tribute to Watts included: Ray Parker Jr., Ndugu Chancler, Ritche Kotzen, Darryl Jackson, Darryl Phinnesse, Gerry Brown, Mike Phillips, Olli Brown, and Paul Jackson.

“Nate is the epitome of what the International Bassist Award stands for,” said Scott Goodman, president of Samson. “He’s influenced and inspired generations of bassists and musicians around the world, providing a lifetime of music and devotion to the bass community. For all these reasons, and the amazing person he is, we were delighted to honor Nate with this award.”

“To be honored this way gives me immense joy and pleasure,” said Watts. “The evening was one of the most special highlights of my life and I’d like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with me.”