At 75, Geddy Lee Names 7 Bassists He Calls Genius

Why Geddy Lee’s idea of bass genius continues to reveal so much about the musicians who shaped his sound — and how the players he admired helped define one of the most distinctive bass voices in rock history. What begins as a list of 7 bassists quickly turns into a deeper examination of groove, technique, melody, and the kind of musical intelligence that can transform the role of an instrument. 1960s and 1970s — from progressive rock and blues-driven bands to the rise of complex studio musicianship and experimental sound. Long before Geddy Lee became known as the voice and bassist of Rush, he was listening closely to players who treated the bass as more than background rhythm. Their tone, movement, precision, and creativity left a lasting mark on the way he approached both songwriting and performance. Over the years, Lee has spoken with deep respect about bassists whose playing stands beyond speed or complexity — musicians whose lines could carry emotion, power, and identity all at once. In this video, we explore the 7 bassists Geddy Lee names as genius, the qualities that made them unforgettable, and how their influence may have shaped the artist the world would later come to know.