Stanley Clarke

More than any other player, Stanley Clarke established the electric bass as a legitimate jazz instrument, paving the way for Jaco Pastorius and other virtuosos. Starting as a sideman for Pharoah Sanders, Clarke perfected popping, percolating runs punctuated with a slapping technique that influenced generations of funk players. Over time, Clarke has moved beyond jazz into bright pop, slithery funk — practically anything with a pulse. (Pat Moran)