Fred Wesley was born on July 4, 1943, in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He is an acclaimed American trombonist known for his significant contributions to the genres of funk, P-Funk, soul, R&B, and soul jazz. Wesley's musical journey began in his childhood with piano and trumpet lessons, eventually leading him to the trombone, which became his primary instrument.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Wesley was a key member of James Brown's band, contributing to numerous hit recordings like "Say it Loud – I'm Black, and I'm Proud" and "Mother Popcorn." He co-wrote several tracks, including "Hot Pants," and his work as a band leader and musical director for Brown's band, the J.B.'s, was instrumental in shaping their sound. Notably, "Doing It to Death" by Fred Wesley & the J.B.'s sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc in 1973.

After leaving James Brown's band in 1975, Wesley joined George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic projects and led the spin-off group, The Horny Horns. In 1978, he transitioned to jazz by joining the Count Basie Orchestra and released his first jazz album, "To Someone," in 1988. Throughout the early 1990s, Wesley toured with the JB Horns and later formed his own band, Fred Wesley and the New JBs.

Fred Wesley's career spans several decades, and he remains an influential figure in both funk and jazz music.