Donald “Duck” Dunn

Early Life

Donald "Duck" Dunn was born on November 24, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee. His father affectionately nicknamed him "Duck" after the beloved Disney character Donald Duck. Growing up, Dunn was active in sports and often rode bikes with his childhood friend, Steve Cropper, who would later become a fellow musician.

Career

Dunn's musical journey began in the 1960s when he learned to play the bass guitar, inspired by his friends. He initially played in a band called the Royal Spades, which later evolved into the Mar-Keys, achieving national success with their hit "Last Night" in 1961. In 1965, Dunn joined Booker T. & the M.G.'s, replacing the original bassist Lewie Steinberg. His unique bass lines became a defining feature of the Stax Records sound, contributing to iconic tracks like Otis Redding's "Respect" and Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Comin'." Dunn's work as a session musician at Stax led to collaborations with numerous legendary artists, solidifying his reputation in the music industry.

Legacy

Dunn's contributions to music were recognized with several accolades, including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2007 alongside his bandmates and was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Bass Player Magazine in 2017. Dunn's influence on bass playing continues to resonate, as he is remembered as one of the greatest bass guitarists of all time.