Jaco Pastorius

American jazz musician and producer Jaco Pastorius was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. An injury during his teenage years prevented him from continuing to play the drums, but Pastorius didn't let it stop him and acquired an upright bass instead. He would eventually exchange it for a Fender Jazz Bass, which he was intent on playing due to his appreciation for jazz. He started playing professionally not long after and started recording during the 1970s, when he released his debut solo album, "Jaco Pastorius" (1976), for which he received two Grammy nominations. It was also in the 70s that he joined the jazz fusion band Weather Report, from which he parted ways in 1982, despite another Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist for his work with them. He went on to found his own group, the big band Word of Mouth, with whom he released two albums. His career with Word of Mouth, however, was cut short due to his own mental health issues and substance abuse, which led Pastorius to end up homeless. He would eventually end up in a physical altercation in the streets that led to his death at 35 years old. He has since been considered one of the most important and ground-breaking electric bassists in history.