Abraham Laboriel Sr.
Abraham Laboriel Sr. graduated from Berklee in 1972 with a degree in composition. He is one of the most legendary bass players of his era, having thousands of album credits to his name playing for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, and Madonna.
Laboriel was born in Mexico City and began his musical journey at the age of 6 learning classical guitar under the tutelage of his father, a gifted musician. When Laboriel entered Berklee, his primary instrument was guitar, but he switched to bass after discovering a great aptitude for the instrument. After graduation, Laboriel moved to Los Angeles to pursue a recording career and became one of the most prolific and sought-after session bassists. Guitar Player magazine once characterized him as "the most widely used session bassist of our time."
Aside from his session work, Laboriel is known as a founding member of the bands Friendship and Koinonia and has recorded solo albums Dear Friends, Guidum, and Justo & Abraham.
The Laboriels are something of a family dynasty at Berklee, as both of Laboriel’s sons (Abraham Laboriel Jr. '93 and Mateo Laboriel '03) attended Berklee and are noteworthy musicians in their own right.
In 2005, Berklee awarded Laboriel Sr. an honorary doctorate of music.
Related Links:
Abraham Laboriel Sr. Visits Berklee's Valencia Campus
Gadd, Laboriel, and Rushen Welcome 815 New Students at Fall Convocation