Well known bassist James Kirkland passes

Bass player and Texas Country Music Hall of Famer James Kirkland died on Friday at 87-years-old. He was born in Linden, Texas in Cass County in 1934. Kirkland played with several well-known musicians and appeared in movies and television shows.

Kirkland lived in Athens, Texas before his passing. His social media account notes that he, “had been in the music business for over 65 years and has made major contributions to the world of music including country, rockabilly and rock and roll. He pioneered the art of slap bass, most notably the “triple slap” style and has been mine and many others’ main influence as a bass player, not to mention he is also an outstanding electric bass player as well and was the first to play it on the Opry. I am so happy his work with the likes of Bob Luman, Ricky Nelson and Jim Reeves, among many others has not gone unnoticed. Please join me in congratulating James on this great “Pioneering” award that he was given by the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame on Saturday”

KETK notes, “He was also in some films and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet Shows with Ricky Nelson. Kirkland was with Nelson for several years before he started playing for Gentleman Jim Reeves.”

“After his days on the road, Kirkland settled in Athens. He operated a welding shop until he retired in 1991,” notes Athens Daily Review.

Besides being inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of fame, Kirkland was also named to the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. “When Kirkland and guitarist James Burton played with Bob Luman in the late 50s, they were noted as one of the most energetic rockabilly bands. “Red Cadillac and a Black Mustache” was a prime example.” - Athens Daily Review