Written by: Cassandra Blake

Marshall Lytle: The Slap Bass Pioneer of Rock and Roll

Marshall Lytle is best known for his iconic upright slap bass playing with Bill Haley and His Comets, and later with The Jodimars, in the 1950s. His signature sound and energetic stage performances helped shape the early days of rock and roll and rockability.

Early Life and Career

Born on September 1, 1933, in Old Fort, North Carolina, Lytle started playing guitar at a young age. However, his music career took a turn when he joined Bill Haley's country music group, The Saddlemen, in 1951 as a double bass player. Haley taught Lytle the basics of slap bass playing, and he soon became an integral part of the group.

Rise to Fame with Bill Haley and His Comets

In September 1952, The Saddlemen changed their name to Bill Haley and His Comets, and Lytle was there to witness the transformation. He co-wrote the band's first national hit, "Crazy Man, Crazy," with Haley, although he didn't receive co-authorship credit until 2002. Lytle played on all of Haley's recordings between mid-1951 and the summer of 1955, including the legendary "Rock Around the Clock" in 1954.

Slap Bass Innovator

Lytle's unique playing style, which involved slapping the strings to create a percussive sound, is considered one of the signature sounds of early rock and roll and rockabilly. He played a late 1940s model Epiphone B5 upright double bass, using gut strings for the G and D strings, and wound strings for the A and E strings.

Stage Presence and Acrobatic Feats

Much more than just a talented musician, Lytle was known for his athletic stage presence. He developed a routine with saxophonist Joey Ambrose that involved doing acrobatic stunts with the bass fiddle, including throwing it in the air and riding it like a horse. This high-energy performance style added to the excitement of early rock and roll shows.

Later Life and Legacy

In the 1950s, Lytle left Bill Haley and His Comets to form The Jodimars with Ambrose and drummer Dick Richards. Although the group didn't achieve the same level of success as Haley's band, they still made significant contributions to the early rock and roll scene.

Marshall Lytle's impact on rock and roll is still felt today, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. He passed away on May 25, 2013, but his music and spirit live on.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Lytle was paid $41.25 for the three-hour Decca recording session that produced "Rock Around the Clock."
• He grew a moustache to look older when he joined The Saddlemen.
• Lytle's upright double bass was purchased in October 1951 for about $275.

Marshall Lytle's contributions to rock and roll are undeniable, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by music lovers around the world.