Fred Wesley: The Legendary Trombonist Who Changed Funk Forever

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 01:01:50 +0000

🎙️ What’s it like to write funk history alongside James Brown, George Clinton, and Count Basie? In this electrifying episode, Rob Cass sits down with the legendary Fred Wesley — trombonist, composer, and bandleader — whose horn helped shape the very sound of soul, funk, and jazz across generations. From sharing the stage with his father to jamming with Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker, Fred tells it all with groove, grit, and a lot of heart. 🎺🔥

Fred walks us through his incredible journey: his first big break, his pivotal time in James Brown’s band (where he helped create iconic hits like Hot Pants and Mother Popcorn), and how he went on to reinvent funk with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. He talks candidly about being offered a seat in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, his unforgettable work with Count Basie, and yes — even wild shows, career regrets, and writing his autobiography Hit Me, Fred. 📚✨

From leading The J.B.'s to teaching jazz at Berklee, Fred Wesley is a living piece of music history — and in this rare, unfiltered conversation, he brings you behind the curtain of a life spent making music with the greats. 🎶 Whether you're a funk lover or music nerd, this episode is a deep dive into the soul of the groove.

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🕒 CHAPTERS

00:00 Episode Recap
01:00 Introduction of Fred Wesley
01:22 The Beginnings of Fred Wesley
09:36 Being in a Band with His Own Father
11:34 The Very First Big Gig
17:37 Army Band Experience
19:06 Meeting James Brown
26:35 Offer from Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
31:24 Collaboration with George Clinton
38:16 Working with Count Basie and Other Stars
41:55 The '80s
46:46 Best Show vs. Worst Show
47:53 Hit Me, Fred! (Fred Wesley’s Book) & His Regrets
51:01 Fred Wesley and the New J.B.’s
54:53 The Death of Pee Wee Ellis
58:31 What’s Next? New Album?!

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