Anthony Jackson, born on June 23, 1952, in New York City, is a renowned American bassist celebrated for his contributions to jazz, jazz fusion, R&B, and funk. He is widely recognized as a master of the electric bass and has played a pivotal role in the development of the six-string contrabass guitar. Jackson's musical journey began with the piano before he transitioned to guitar and eventually bass, inspired by legendary bassists James Jamerson and Jack Casady.

Jackson's career as a session musician took off when he joined Billy Paul's band and worked with Philadelphia International Records. His bass line on The O'Jays' "For the Love of Money" became iconic, contributing to the song's success on the charts. Throughout his career, Jackson has recorded in over 3000 sessions on more than 500 albums and performed live in over 30 countries.

A student of Jerry Fisher, Lawrence Lucie, and Pat Martino, Jackson's influence extends beyond performance. He is credited with conceptualizing the six-string bass, which he first played in 1975, and has since become a standard in modern music. His collaborations include work with artists like Roberta Flack, Buddy Rich, Al Di Meola, Chick Corea, Paul Simon, Chaka Khan, Steely Dan, and Donald Fagen.

Despite facing health challenges in 2016 that affected his ability to perform, Jackson's legacy as an innovator and virtuoso continues to inspire musicians worldwide.