Leslie Edward Claypool

Rockin Classy

Leslie Edward “Les” Claypool was born on September 29, 1963, in Richmond, California. He is best known for his work with the alternative rock band Primus. Claypool’s mastery of the electric bass has brought him into the spotlight with his funky, creative playing style. Although he looks up to bass player Geddy Lee, from the band Rush, as his greatest influence, Claypool combines heavy-metal finger-tapping, flamenco-like strumming, and a Larry Graham-like slapping technique to develop his own, out-of-this-world, playing style. Claypool has earned respect as one of the biggest bassists in the world, and continues to inspire young bass players today.

Hippie Jam

I chose Les Claypool as my hero because I am one of those many young bass players that have been inspired by his funky, fresh way of playing the bass. His music may not scream 'number one hit, want to be famous,' but his playing has depth. He puts notes together with a rhythm that somehow creates a whole new way of music, a kind of music that moves the soul. At the same time, his music is an acquired taste; you have to learn to understand it. You really need to realize what he’s trying to do through the musical notes. Les Claypool’s lyrics hardly ever make sense the first time a listener tunes into his music, but actually, he sings with perfect poetic form.

Les Claypool

After years of hearing Les Claypool’s music, I decided to play the bass, and I've really let my soul out through music, because of his inspiration. I play and listen to Les’s music everyday to inspire me to learn more scales, notes, riffs, and songs. I enjoy the music I play, and the time I spend playing it, all because this great man came into music, and got me into the bass. I hope that down the road, Les Claypool’s awesome music will continue to inspire me in playing the bass, and hopefully will get me to expand my musical horizon to play more instruments, so that I never stop learning. I believe I can continue to keep learning, because Les continues to learn to this day by playing many, many instruments himself.

In conclusion, I chose Les Claypool because even he was inspired at one point to start playing, and he never lost that dream. He embraced his calling, and made a great musical success out of himself. By overcoming the obstacles of the music industry, he became so well known as a bassist, that he can now inspire others to do what he felt so strongly about when he began. I, too, hope to become so good, that one day I can inspire others, as Les Claypool has inspired me. This is why Les Claypool is eligible as a hero in my life, and in so many others.