With luck, great timing, but mostly talent, he was recommended to replace Herbie Hancock's 'Head Hunter's' bass player Paul Jackson. During his audition, Freddie played with such authority and passion that he got the job. He had unleashed a raw power that impressed Hancock and jump-started his career. He went on to tour with Hancock for several years and appeared on several hit albums by the jazz artist, including "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," "Mister Hands" and "Monster."

It was an incredible break for a spunky 19-year-old kid who had dreamed of one day playing with some of the music industry's greats. News of Freddie's talent soon spread rapidly throughout the music world.

Freddie's journey to success begins in his hometown of Oakland, California where he became interested in the bass at 14. At an age where most kids are living carefree, unconcerned with future career goals, Freddie had his eyes set on the prize. He took music courses in school and bass lessons in the 8th grade. He learned to read music and dabbled on the drums and piano.

"I just wanted to be good," said Freddie, who elevates the lyrical sophistication of songs through his stylish interpretations.

Freddie's road to bass domination had begun. His instrument literally became an extension of his hands as he practiced day and night, often seeking refuge in the wee hours in his bedroom closet which, after lights out, became his rehearsal space.

"I wanted to be so good that I could make people believe that playing the bass is all I knew how to do. I wanted to be the best."

And to many he is the best. He has certainly made a name for himself.

Now known as "Ready Freddie," a moniker he received, he says, because he's always "ready" for anything, the bassist's mastery of his craft is the polished product of his years of preparation. He became adept to all sides of music by listening to and familiarizing himself with jazz, gospel, R&B and pop, and incorporated them into his style of play, which has become known as the "Ready Freddie" groove, a half-time body movement that is now his infectious m.o.

In the music industry, there are bass players and then there's "Ready Freddie," the first call studio musician, the songwriter and live performance player who brings uniquely pertinent credentials to his role.

His collaborative efforts with friend and musician, Patrice Rushen, produced the early '80s hits "Haven't You Heard" and "Forget Me Nots." Their friendship and job of playing music together has lasted nearly 30 years.

"If there's a bassline, he'll make it groove," said Rushen. "If there's a groove, he'll make the line. It doesn't matter if it's 'thumped' or with 'fingers.' It doesn't matter if it's funk, pop, jazz, rock, hip-hop, uptempo or a ballad. Few players do it all with such creative style and musicality. Plus, he's always ready to give it his best! That's why we call him 'Ready Freddie'."

"Forget Me Nots' has earned Freddie multi platinum status since its release in 1981. It was sampled by Will Smith, and became the hit single "Men In Black," for the movie "Men In Black." It was also featured in the Tom Hanks film "Big" and covered by R&B jazz artist Randy Crawford and used by pop artist George Michael in his song "Fast Love." Freddie's song, "Better Late Than Never," recorded by the Cover Girls, was featured in Eddie Murphy's movie, "Coming to America." He also earned a Platinum Album Award for his song "Someone For Me," recorded by Whitney Houston. Most recently, Kirk Franklin sampled "Haven't You Heard" for his song "Looking For You," the first single off of his current LP.

He has played in sessions or on tour with everyone from Michael Jackson, Al Jarreau, Aaron Neville, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, B.B. King, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston, to Donald Fagen, The Crusaders, George Benson, Denise Williams, Johnny Mathis, Burt Bacharach, and Kenny Loggins.

Freddie has conducted standing-room-only clinics all over the world giving other bass enthusiasts a lesson in the groove, how he gets his sound, demonstrations on how to play with a rhythm section, and even explaining the types of instruments and amps he uses.

Because Freddie has been fortunate enough to find a career that he loves whole heartedly, nothing he has done can be considered work.

I haven't worked in nearly 30 years," says the prolific artist who currently resides with his family in a Los Angeles suburb. "I've been having fun. I don't think playing the bass will ever be work for me. It gets me excited. I love to do it because it brings me joy. It's overwhelming. It's just a great part of my life."

Although to some it may seem that he has done it all, Freddie is always looking forward to new challenges. He wants to write more songs, produce and some day record his own material. And if a smash should be the result, and he blows up larger than life, you can best believe he'll be "Ready."