Atlanta Symphony Bassist Sets World Record

[TalkBass]

Double Bassist Jane Little has spent 71 years with the Atlanta Symphony. More from NBC:

Meet the World's Longest-Serving Symphony Musician

photo: nbcnews.com

 

[Spectrum]

Cool. I had started a thread a while back about the oldest bands in existence. It started with the Stones and the Ventures, and eventually we were talking about bands or choirs which have lasted for centuries, well beyond the lifespan of any founding members. Some people said a band stops being a band after the last founding member is gone. I guess this one is still "the real band" lol.

Now her eyes are set on retirement, and even ponders putting the bass aside for a new venture — albeit one that would still employ her talent to make instrument strings sing.

"I want to get my bass guitar," she said, "and start a band called The Grannies."

Awesome.

 

[Snaxster]

Double Bassist Jane Little has spent 71 years with the Atlanta Symphony. More from NBC:

Meet the World's Longest-Serving Symphony Musician

View attachment 825730
photo: nbcnews.com

I love this woman!

 

[mindwell]

BAMF

 

[Feral Feline]

Little ol' lady is truly inspirational!

Continuing to play in spite of health issues, remarkable.
At 4'11", proof positive that smaller people don't need to play smaller instruments, only instruments that please them.

 

[packhowitzer]

I've seen her play in the ASO all my life. I love watching that old bat do her thing. we should all be so lucky to do what we love for so long.

 

[tmw]

A very heartwarming story.

 

[franvarin]

Simply awesome! is the only phrase that comes close. What an incredible career and so inspirational!

 

[deste]

That's one of those stories you like you hear over and over, and give us the strenght and pride to be something (being musicians, i.e.) despite of all troubles.

 

[telecopy]

Double Bassist Jane Little has spent 71 years with the Atlanta Symphony. More from NBC:

Meet the World's Longest-Serving Symphony Musician

View attachment 825730
photo: nbcnews.com

I wish I had her calluses.

 

[ThuzzleFump]

I've seen her play in the ASO all my life. I love watching that old bat do her thing. we should all be so lucky to do what we love for so long.

"Old bat" doesn't exactly sound complimentary. Just saying.

 

[zon6c-f]

Jane was my String Bass instructor in early 1970's. She is truly amazing! When I whined and complained about finger stretches in lower positions, she played her 7/8 scale from high thumb position on G String down to low F on E String..all notes played with vibrato. Then she asked me to place her tiny hand against mine..her hand was so tiny in comparison. Then she slyly asked, " Now what was your complaint again??"


At that time, I owned an Englehardt 3/4 bass, which she scoffed at. She sold me a student grade carved Roth.

I realized I was not going to become a symphonic player, so I quit private lessons..sold my string basses in late 1979.

Her husband Warren[ RIP], was principle flautist with ASO. He carried her bass..she carried his flute..a lovely couple!

KEEP PLAYIN, JANE!!

 

[zon6c-f]

When I took lessons from her, the ends of her left fingers were quite round, she called them pads as they were kind of like a frogs "finger" pads.
She advised me to avoid getting my hands wet or use rubber gloves.

After view in the video, I was shocked to see her use French Bow. She told me "German style" was the preferred bow.. I still have mine.

She mentioned forming a band; using her electric bass. I am very curious as to what electric bass she uses, what amp..effects...OH I WILL TALK HER EARS OFF on that subject!

Saddened to read that she is ill and that her husband, Warren has passed..also a great symphonic player.

Continue to heal and LONG LIVE JANE!!

 

[Hambone 70]

Absolutely amazing and inspirational!

 

[cocodrilo58]

a great testament that can do do if try!!!!!! 71 years wow!!!!!!! God has been very faithful to her, but she has kept the race!! we would be fortunate to go that long!! playing music!!!!! you go!!!!!

 

[cocodrilo58]

a great testament that can do do it if try!!!!!! 71 years wow!!!!!!! God has been very faithful to her, but she has kept the race!! we would be fortunate to go that long!! playing music!!!!! you go!!!!!