About Ralph Bass
Lived 1911 – 1997 (aged 85). Ralph Bass was an American record producer, composer, manufacturer, songwriter and A&R.
Ralph Basso Jr. (May 1, 1911 – March 5, 1997), known as Ralph Bass, was an American rhythm-and-blues record producer and talent scout for several independent labels. He was a pioneer in bringing African American music into the American mainstream. During his career he worked in key roles for Black & White Records, Savoy Records, King Records, Federal Records, and Chess Records, recording many leading performers, including Etta James, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Earl Bostic, and groups such as the Platters and the Dominoes. Bass was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a nonperformer.
In 1959, the Chess brothers hired Bass away from King to serve as A&R director for Chess Records.
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Important facts
People in Ralph Bass's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Ralph Bass's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ralph Bass?
American R&B record producer (1911–1997)
When was Ralph Bass born?
Ralph Bass was born on 1 May 1911 in The Bronx.
When did Ralph Bass die?
Ralph Bass died on 5 March 1997 in New York City.
What was Ralph Bass's occupation?
Ralph Bass was a record producer, composer, manufacturer, songwriter and A&R.
What nationality was Ralph Bass?
Ralph Bass was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ralph Bass. https://biography.guide/ralph-bass/
MLA: "Ralph Bass." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ralph-bass/.
Chicago: "Ralph Bass." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ralph-bass/.
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