Popular sideman and session bassist on working with Dr. John, Dolly Parton and Neil Murray
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
June 18, 2018
By David Sands
Eric Rupert is a globetrotter, an international touring and studio bassist with over three decades experience working with rock, pop, jazz and country artists as well as shows on Broadway and London’s West End. He’s also a musical director, producer, clinician and and has worked on product development with Ibanez.
Mentored by Ray Brown on double bass and Jeff Andrews on electric, Rupert got his professional start playing with Dr. John at just 19 years old. From there,he went on to play with Dizzy Gillespie and entered the world of Broadway where he worked with Joel Grey, Michael Crawford and Byron Nease. Rupert’s also been a member of Earl Van Dyke’s band, toured and recorded with Dolly Parton and worked with the likes of Roger Daltrey, Slash, Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett, Earl Klugh, Alexander Zonjic, Bob James, Chuck Rainey and Doug Wimbish, among others. He’s also performed in a wide range of musicals including Oklahoma, Annie, Cabaret, Avenue Q, Cats and Les Miserables.
FBPO’s Jon Liebman had an opportunity to meet up with him at last year’s summer NAMM show in Nashville and the two of them spoke of his musical beginnings, current and upcoming projects and his impressive collection of basses.
Watch our interview with Eric!
