After more than 1,500 recording credits, bass player Nathan East earned a Grammy nomination for his debut solo album on Franklin-based label Yamaha Entertainment Group.

Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Phil Collins, Wynonna Judd, Eric Clapton and Daft Punk are each linked by another, lesser-known, legend — Grammy-nominated artist Nathan East.

With a genre-spanning career and a track record of supporting music industry legends, the 58-year-old East already had an unrivaled career as a bass player before he partnered with Franklin-based Yamaha Entertainment Group for his first solo album. The album, titled “Nathan East,” is nominated for best contemporary instrumental jazz album.

While it marked East’s first album as a solo artist, he has more than 2,000 record credits to his name, making him one of, if not the most, recorded musicians ever. The Grammy recognition also represents validation for East’s record label home, Yamaha Entertainment Group, which is a division of the leading instrument company Yamaha Corporation of America.

East’s journey from supporting bassist to critically acclaimed solo artist was captured in a documentary produced by Yamaha Entertainment Group.

“It’s a remarkable story about this guy who’s such a humble man and a good person,” said Yamaha Entertainment Group founder and Vice President Chris Gero. “He doesn’t really get bogged down by the stuff that most of us do. He’s sweet and kind and caring and … that’s why every artist turns to him.”

Gero said the Grammy recognition was gratifying for his label because the foundation of its approach is musical excellence. More projects featuring East are already in the works, Gero said. Yamaha has long partnered with top musicians for promotional deals to use its instruments. For the record label, Gero said the goal is to attach the company’s name to outstanding music.

“It’s not about money for us or for me,” Gero said. “It never was. For us it’s about exceptional (music) really; that is the foundation. It really is where the watermark begins.”

East has earned a reputation as an exceptional bass player, but no one, not even Gero, knew exactly what to expect when East stepped up to center stage. East said it felt like coming full circle to have artists he’s supported congratulate him on his own Grammy nomination.

“I think creatively Yamaha is every bit as vital of a record label as any label I’ve ever been involved with,” East said. “As an artist with the company for 30 years as an endorser with my own signature bass, and as an artist it’s almost seamless. They’ve always looked after me. We have had a relationship for so long I just believe in what they have to offer.”

See the original article by Reach Nate Rau HERE.