John Goldsby (b. December 10, 1958) is an American jazz bassist, composer, author, and educator, best known for his long tenure with the Grammy-winning WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany, which he joined in 1994. Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of a Baptist minister, he played several instruments before committing to the double bass at age 18. Early professional work with visiting jazz greats led him to New York City in 1980, where he spent 14 years performing and recording with artists including Michael Brecker, Mel Lewis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and the American Jazz Orchestra.
Goldsby has released numerous recordings as a leader and sideman, spanning small-group jazz to large-scale big band projects. A highly respected educator, he teaches at the Maastricht Conservatory and has presented masterclasses worldwide. He is the author of The Jazz Bass Book and other influential texts, and is widely regarded as a leading authority on jazz bass tradition and technique. Big Band Bass, released November 7, 2025 on Bass Lion Publishing, marks his 30th anniversary with the WDR Big Band, featuring eight original compositions and arrangements by Bob Mintzer, Michael Abene, Dave Horler, and Vince Mendoza. Through his extensive writings and, of course, his bass playing, Goldsby personally helped introduce me to the lineage of great bass players and the enduring tradition of jazz bass performance.
