John Francis Anthony "Jaco" Pastorius III (December 1, 1951 - September 21, 1987) was an American jazz musician and composer widely acknowledged for his virtuosity on the bass guitar, as well as his command of varied musical styles.

His playing style was noteworthy for containing intricate solos in the higher register. His unique innovations also included the use of harmonics and the "singing" quality of his melodies. In 2006, Pastorius was voted "The Greatest Bass Player Who Has Ever Lived" by reader submissions in Bass Guitar Magazine. Later in life, Pastorius suffered from mental health problems and substance abuse, both of which contributed to his death.

Jaco Pastorius, born John Francis Pastorius III (December 1, 1951- September 21, 1987) was a jazz bassist and composer, notable for his virtuoso technique and playing style. He is considered by some to be one of the greatest jazz-fusion fretless bass guitarists to have ever lived. His big influence on the modern electric bass is widely touted, as he was responsible for the popularisation of fretless electric bass. He introduced a textural approach and harmonic sense to bass playing that became t