Fred Wesley and the JBs

Biography

Fred Wesley and the JBs are a seminal force in the evolution of funk and jazz-funk, led by trombonist and bandleader Fred Wesley. Born in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Wesley began his musical journey as a teenage trombonist with Ike and Tina Turner. His career took a pivotal turn when he joined James Brown’s band in 1968, quickly rising to the roles of music director, arranger, and primary composer. Wesley was instrumental in shifting Brown’s sound from soul to funk, contributing signature grooves and solos that defined the genre’s language. As the leader of The J.B.'s, Wesley co-wrote and performed on numerous hits, including 'Doing It to Death,' which sold over a million copies and earned a gold record.

After leaving James Brown’s band in 1975, Wesley, alongside saxophonist Maceo Parker, joined George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic collective, further pushing the boundaries of funk. He also collaborated with Bootsy’s Rubber Band, solidifying his reputation as one of funk’s most influential architects. In the late 1970s, Wesley expanded his reach into jazz, joining the Count Basie Orchestra and later releasing several jazz albums as a leader. The band, now known as Fred Wesley and the New JBs, continues to celebrate the roots of funk and jazz, performing classic hits and new compositions worldwide. Wesley’s legacy is marked by his innovative arrangements, genre-defining trombone work, and his role as a bridge between soul, funk, and jazz traditions.

Fun Facts

• Fred Wesley’s name was credited on 'Fred Wesley & the J.B.'s' recording of 'Doing It to Death,' which sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA in 1973.
• He is featured in the Oscar-winning documentary 'When We Were Kings' and in numerous other documentaries about funk and James Brown.
• Wesley authored a memoir, 'Hit Me, Fred: Recollections of a Sideman,' chronicling his career and the evolution of funk.
• He has given master classes around the world and is considered one of the most-sampled musicians in modern music.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• James Brown - Band leader and creative collaborator; gave Wesley freedom to develop his style and arrangements. (Numerous J.B.'s hits including 'Doing It to Death', 'Hot Pants', 'Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud') [1968-1975]

Key Collaborators

• Maceo Parker - Saxophonist and frequent bandmate in James Brown’s band, Parliament-Funkadelic, JB Horns, and the New JBs. (James Brown and J.B.'s recordings, Parliament-Funkadelic albums, JB Horns tours) [1968-1996]
• George Clinton - Leader of Parliament-Funkadelic; Wesley was arranger and trombonist. (Parliament-Funkadelic albums) [1976-late 1970s]
• Bootsy Collins - Collaborator in Bootsy’s Rubber Band and Parliament-Funkadelic. (Bootsy’s Rubber Band albums) [mid-late 1970s]
• Count Basie Orchestra - Jazz trombonist after funk years. (Live performances and recordings) [1978-early 1980s]
• Pee Wee Ellis - Saxophonist, co-member of JB Horns and James Brown’s band. (JB Horns tours, James Brown recordings) [1960s-1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Trombone Shorty - Cited Wesley as a major influence on his funk and jazz trombone style. (Trombone Shorty’s funk/jazz recordings) [2000s-present]
• Modern funk and hip-hop artists - Wesley’s grooves and solos are widely sampled and emulated in contemporary funk and hip-hop. (Various sampled tracks) [1980s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Doing It To Death (Star Time)
2. Doing It To Death (Star Time)
3. Blow Your Head
4. Doing It To Death - Pt. 1 / AM DJ Version (The 50th Anniversary Collection)
5. If You Don't Get It The First Time, Back Up And Try It Again, Party - Single Version (Funky Good Time: The Anthology)
6. Watermelon Man (Funky Good Time: The Anthology)
7. Same Beat - Pt. 1 (Damn Right I Am Somebody)
8. Doing It To Death
9. More Peas (Funky Good Time: The Anthology)
10. Damn Right I Am Somebody (Damn Right I Am Somebody)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia