Celebrating the Legends of the Low End
NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global nonprofit music trade organization, and Bass Magazine, a leading publication dedicated to the instrument and the artists who define its sound, today announced the honorees for the 2027 Bass Magazine Awards Show, returning as part of the official NAMM Show experience.
The 2027 Bass Magazine Awards, with global audio powerhouse RCF serving as title sponsor, will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2027, at the ACC Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center as an official on-campus event during the NAMM Show.
Explore the interactive arena seating map, see available seats and pricing, and secure your tickets online.
The annual celebration will recognize seven legendary artists whose contributions have transformed the art, innovation and cultural impact of bass: Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots co-founder Robert DeLeo, funk pioneer Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder bassist Nathan Watts, and Grammy-winning bassist, songwriter and composer Meshell Ndegeocello, who will receive the Bass Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award.
Together, these honorees represent the extraordinary range of the instrument, from the foundational riffs of heavy metal and the explosive energy of alternative rock to the sophistication of R&B, soul, funk, jazz and pop. Their playing, songwriting and artistic vision demonstrate the bass’ power to drive a song, define a genre and become an unmistakable voice in music history.
“Every one of these honorees has left an unmistakable mark on music,” said Jon D’Auria, Editor-in-Chief of Bass Magazine. “They are true stewards of our instrument who have blazed a trail all of their own.”
“These artists have helped shape the sound of modern music and inspired generations of musicians to pick up an instrument and find their own voice,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO. “They demonstrate the extraordinary creative possibilities of music making, and celebrating their contributions during The NAMM Show brings our global music community together to honor their legacies and inspire the next generation of music makers.”
2027 Bass Magazine Awards Honorees
NATHAN WATTS — STEVIE WONDER
For 52 years, Nathan Watts has been Wonder’s bassist, both live and on record — and since 1994, he’s been Stevie’s musical director, too. As a graduate of what he calls the “School of Wonder,” the Detroit-born Watts has created more than his share of beloved bass lines on a dozen albums with Wonder and with artists like Paul McCartney, the Pointer Sisters, the Jacksons, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie and Sergio Mendes.
GEEZER BUTLER — BLACK SABBATH
Few musicians have shaped heavy metal as profoundly as Geezer Butler, the pioneering bassist, principal lyricist and founding member of Black Sabbath. Since 1968, his distinctive approach to rhythm, instinctive connection to guitarist Tony Iommi’s monumental riffs, iconic songwriting and dark, powerful tone with Sabbath, GZR, Heaven & Hell, Deadland Ritual and Ozzy Osbourne have proved that bass can be as central to a band’s identity as any other instrument.
FLEA — RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Combining funk with punk energy, rock power, jazz sensibility and an unmistakably physical performance style, Flea’s signature sound combines explosive slap technique, intricate melodic lines and fearless improvisation. Besides his 13 albums with the Peppers, Flea is renowned for his solo album, Honora; session work with Atoms for Peace, Alanis Morissette and others; and his Silverlake Conservatory of Music, which turned 25 in 2026.
ROBERT DELEO — STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
As bassist, songwriter and co-founder of Stone Temple Pilots, Robert DeLeo is a principal architect of one of the most successful bands to emerge from the alternative rock movement of the 1990s. DeLeo’s combination of melodic sophistication, expansive understanding of song structure and playing in service to the song — as well as his deft integration of soul, classic pop and R&B influences — has set a high standard for future bassists.
BOOTSY COLLINS — SOLO ARTIST, PARLIAMENT-FUNKADELIC AND JAMES BROWN
A true original, Bootsy Collins helped establish a new vocabulary for funk, combining deep, elastic grooves with inventive playing, custom instruments, colorful effects, singular vocals and an outrageous stage persona. His work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic — plus his wide-ranging collaborations and more than a dozen Bootsy, Rubber Band, New Rubber Band and Zillatron releases — are a crucial part of the DNA of modern music.
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO — LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
A pioneering bassist, songwriter, vocalist, composer and producer, Meshell Ndegeocello has spent more than three decades redefining the boundaries of contemporary music. Her distinctive, deeply melodic bass playing and fearless artistic vision move fluidly across soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop and rock, establishing her as one of the most influential and original voices in modern music. With a celebrated career marked by genre-defying albums, acclaimed collaborations and multiple Grammy Awards, Ndegeocello has continually expanded the creative possibilities of the bass while inspiring generations of musicians. Her work as a bandleader, composer and recording artist reflects a singular commitment to musical exploration, authenticity and expression, earning her the Bass Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Global Celebration of Bass at The NAMM Show
“Bootsy, one of the forefathers of funk, brought a revolutionary sound, larger-than-life personality and unmistakable groove to everything he’s touched,” says D’Auria. “Geezer’s one of the legends of metal and his undeniable influence has inspired generations of players. Flea brought a new level of energy and individuality through the music of Red Hot Chili Peppers and redefined what we can do on our instrument. Nathan Watts shows us all what being in the pocket means after five decades of playing some of the most iconic and endearing songs, and Robert DeLeo’s songwriting and playing helped define an entire era of alternative rock. Meshell Ndegeocello has continually pushed the boundaries of what the bass and an artist can be, with a career defined by innovation, originality and musical depth. These are artists who have inspired bassists around the world, and we’re proud to celebrate their legacies.”
The 2027 Bass Magazine Awards will continue the tradition of bringing together legendary musicians, emerging talent, industry leaders and fans to celebrate the instrument’s past, present and future. The evening is expected to feature special guests, live performances and surprise collaborations celebrating the global bass community.
The partnership between NAMM and Bass Magazine reinforces The NAMM Show’s role as a global gathering place for the music products industry and the artists, performers, creators and communities that bring music to life. By recognizing the musicians who have helped shape popular music, the awards highlight the relationship between artistry, instrument innovation, music making and the industry that supports it.
Previous Bass Magazine Awards honorees have included Sting, Justin Chancellor of Tool, John Patitucci, MonoNeon, Mohini Dey, Les Claypool of Primus, Mike Dirnt of Green Day, Marcus Miller, Laura Lee of Khruangbin and Blu DeTiger. Past celebrations have brought together celebrated bassists and special guests for performances that showcase the instrument’s remarkable range across musical styles.
Registration is open for The 2027 NAMM Show. Members and qualified industry professionals are can register and begin planning their experience for the global music industry’s can’t-miss week in Anaheim.
About NAMM:
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit trade association representing the $18.1 billion global music products industry, with a mission to strengthen the music industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.
Comprised of more than 9,000 member companies and individual professionals worldwide, NAMM supports an industry that employs more than 400,000 people globally. Through its programs, events and advocacy efforts, NAMM advances a shared vision of a thriving, innovative and inclusive music products industry where every person has access to the joy of music-making.
NAMM also operates The NAMM Foundation, investing in the future of music through the support of education, global grantmaking and featured programs that expand participation in music across all ages and stages of life.
Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., NAMM serves as a leading voice for the global music products industry through public policy, advocacy, education and other member services.
Website - www.namm.org