Jaco Pastorius, born John Francis Anthony Pastorius III (December 1, 1951 – September 21, 1987) was a jazz bassist and composer, notable for his virtuoso technique and fretless bass playing style. His influence on the modern electric bass is widely recognized. He was largely responsible for the popularization of the fretless electric bass. He introduced a textural approach and harmonic sense to bass playing that became the signature "Jaco" sound. Jaco's technique and style have profoundly influenced electric bassists in jazz and in other genres. Although he was acclaimed as a virtuoso and a genius, his well-documented off stage antics would eventually cost him his life.

Early history

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Jaco was the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. Although Jaco was born in Pennsylvania, the family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida when Jaco was very young.

Jaco went through elementary and middle school at St. Clement's Catholic School (he was an altar boy at the adjoining church) in nearby Wilton Manors, and went to high school at Northeast High in Oakland Park. He was a gifted athlete, excelling at every sport he played. He particularly loved football, basketball, and baseball, and picked up music as well at a very early age. Jaco often got into trouble with other kids in the neighborhood for his arrogance; once, he was ambushed at football tryouts by an upset quarterback. The result was a broken left wrist, which severely affected his drumming ability. He played drums in a local brass band, Las Olas Brass, and was eventually let go by the bandleader for a more experienced and talented drummer. However, the Las Olas bass player David Neubauer was leaving, opening a bass position which Jaco offered to fill.

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