July 28, 1936

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Bassist Jim Hughart was born on July 28, 1936 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

His father was a bassist with the Minneapolis Symphony. His maternal uncles, Biddy Bastien and Billy Bastien, were well known jazz bassists as was his older brother Ted Hughart.

Hughart started playing professionally in 1953 while in high school. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he served in the army, playing with the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra for two years. After his discharge, he toured and recorded with Ella Fitzgerald. Later, he played the whole run of Natalie Cole’s ‘Unforgettable’ show, spent a year with Tony Bennett, and toured with Frank Sinatra for over ten years.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1964, Hughart became a busy session and studio musician on both acoustic and electric basses.

He participated in the scores of over 300 movies, countless TV shows including Barney Miller and the Bob Newhart Show, and over 250 records.

He has worked and recorded with Joe Pass, Peggy Lee, Oscar Peterson, Zoot Sims, Carmen McRae, Warne Marsh, Pete Christlieb, Milt Jackson, Blossom Dearie, Natalie Cole, Tom Waits, and many others over the years.

This clip features Jim Hughart in a trio with guitarist John Chiodini and drummer Colin Bailey.

-Scott Yanow

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