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It’s a hit single from Stevie Wonder, from the period when he was outgrowing his “Little Stevie” image, in effect squaring up to musical adulthood, and the inevitable contractual battles with Berry Gordy that would follow.

“I Was Made to Love Her” has an infectious melody, Stevie’s effervescent vocals and a bassline that is a study in itself. No single four bar measure is repeated, yet the groove is utterly compelling from start to finish.

This ‘low end’ musical foundation would go uncredited – as indeed would every contribution to a Motown record made by an elite group of session players – until the early 70’s. The greatest of them all was James Lee Jamerson, who is now rightly regarded as one of the most influential bass players in modern music history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. As a session musician he played on 30 Billboard #1 hits, as well as over 70 R&B #1 hits, more than any other bass player in both categories.

Jamerson seemingly had it all, except an aversion to alcohol. Long addicted to the sauce, he would die
of complications stemming from cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure and pneumonia on August 2, 1983, in Los Angeles at the age of 47. He left a wife, four children and a recorded legacy that is analysed by successive generations of bass players.

Few know the name, yet millions dance to his timeless grooves.