Bassist William Genley Anderson has Died, Aged 79

In addition to being a professional musician, he was also a self-employed violin craftsman

Born in Chicago, he attended the University of California, Berkeley. He started playing music from a young age and studied bass with the American bassist Ray Brown.

He performed frequently with jazz bands and well-known musicians like jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson.

While in San Francisco, he worked for Nash Mondragon’s Cremona Violin Dealers & Makers and then later served as the violin bow maker and repair person for the Phoenix Symphony for several years. 

One of few craftsmen who could disassemble a Stradivarius violin, he also worked with the Robert M. Sides Music Center in Williamsport, PA. 

He is survived by his wife, son, two grandsons, and two nephews.

Our condolences are with Mr. Anderson’s family, friends, and colleagues.