Tommy Cogbill


Thomas Clark Cogbill was an American bassist, guitarist and record producer known for his work in R&B, soul and country music.

Life and career

Cogbill was born in Johnson Grove, Tennessee. He was a highly sought-after session and studio musician who appeared on many now-classic recordings of the 1960s and 1970s, especially those recorded in Nashville, Memphis and Muscle Shoals. He has been credited as an influence by many bass guitarists, including Jerry Jemmott & Jaco Pastorius. In the late 1960s and early 1970s Cogbill worked as a record producer at American Sound Studio in Memphis and was part of the studio's house rhythm section, known as the Memphis Boys.
One of the best-known recordings featuring his bassline was Dusty Springfield's 1969 hit "Son of a Preacher Man", produced by Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd. Other major artists he recorded with include King Curtis, Joe Tex, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Dobie Gray, Kris Kristofferson, J. J. Cale, Wilson Pickett, Chuck Berry, Dolly Parton, Bob Seger, and Neil Diamond. He also produced and played bass on King Curtis's single "Memphis Soul Stew" in 1967. He also produced and played bass on "Everlasting Love" by Carl Carlton, a hit in 1974.
Cogbill died of a stroke on December 7, 1982, in Nashville, aged 50.

Discography, albums

Collaborations

The Exciting Wilson Pickett - Wilson Pickett The Wicked Pickett - Wilson Pickett I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You - Aretha Franklin The Sound of Wilson Pickett - Wilson Pickett Aretha Arrives - Aretha Franklin I'm in Love - Wilson Pickett King Solomon - Solomon Burke Lady Soul - Aretha Franklin I Wish I Knew - Solomon Burke Aretha Now - Aretha Franklin Dusty in Memphis - Dusty Springfield Soul '69 - Aretha Franklin Soulful - Dionne Warwick Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) - Aretha Franklin Giant of Rock 'n' Roll - Ronnie Hawkins Michael Murphey - Michael Martin Murphey Living and Dying in 3/4 Time - Jimmy Buffett Seven - Bob Seger A1A - Jimmy Buffett Okie - J. J. Cale Regeneration - Roy Orbison Troubadour - J. J. Cale When I Dream - Crystal Gayle Love Has No Reason - Debby Boone These Days - Crystal Gayle Shades - J. J. Cale Hollywood, Tennessee - Crystal Gayle Grasshopper - J. J. Cale True Love - Crystal Gayle Burlap & Satin - Dolly Parton