Trombone star Fred Wesley, Jr. is best known for his work as a sideman with James Brown in the 1960s and 70s, when he helped move Brown's sound from soul to funk.

NPR: Fred Wesley: 'Recollections of a Sideman'

Eventually, he worked as a sideman with Jimmy Witherspoon, and with Ike and Tina Turner, and he continued to make his own recordings as a leader, something he began doing while still in Coltrane's group.

NPR: McCoy Tyner On Piano Jazz

As a sideman, he helped spark jazz's plugged-in fusion (including Miles Davis's 1970 classic, "Bitches Brew"), has upheld its acoustic traditions (nearly 30 years in Keith Jarrett's Standards Trio), and remains a go-to player for veterans and rising stars alike.

WSJ: Jack DeJohnette | Playing Musical Chairs | Cultural Conversation by Larry Blumenfeld

This Hines was easily reconcilable with the infamous egomaniac who had a hard time playing sideman to anyone, even the almighty Louis Armstrong when he was a member of Armstrong's All Stars.

WSJ: Fatha Played Well With Others | Earl Hines | By Will Friedwald

Owens's beloved sideman Don Rich is given ample due, as is guitarist Billy Mize and Bonnie Owens, a sweet country singer who had been married to Buck Owens and Mr. Haggard (and dated Fuzz Owen in between).

WSJ: The Fabulous Bakersfield Boys | By Jim Fusilli