Born on April 4, 1955, in Brooklyn, NY, Jeffrey was the first child of John and Mildred V. Anderson. Following the death of his mother when he was just seven, Jeffrey was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, by his maternal grandmother, Laura B. Shepard, alongside his four siblings. His early life in Massachusetts laid the foundation for a lifelong devotion to music.

Jeff graduated from Copley Square High School in 1973, after attending Concord-Carlisle Regional High School, and went on to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He became a professional bass player known for his unwavering commitment to “holding the groove and staying in the pocket.” His musical journey spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Jeff’s career included recordings with Stanton Davis and Ghetto Mysticism, Charles & Eddie, and Belgian soul singer Axelle Red. He contributed bass and vocals to the soundtrack of the 1984 cult classic ‘The Brother from Another Planet’, showcasing his ability to blend cinematic soul with urban jazz-funk. As a consummate freelancer, he was a fixture in New York City’s vibrant music scene, collaborating with a broad range of local artists and bands across jazz, blues, funk, soul, and R&B.

He toured internationally with legends such as Esther Phillips, Axelle Red, and Zulema, and performed with blues icon Johnny Copeland—further cementing his reputation as a versatile and deeply soulful bassist. Whether in the studio or on stage, Jeff’s quiet virtuosity and musical intelligence made him a treasured collaborator and friend.

Jeff will be remembered for his sense of humor, dry wit, kindness, intellect, and deep love of and passion for music. He stated “I hear music in my head all the time.”

He is survived by his sisters, Gayle Hay and Joann Ferguson (Nathan); brothers Lawrence “Larry” Anderson (Kimberly) and Eric Anderson; nieces Kaliis Smith, Kiah Smith, Samantha Smith, Alexis Hay, and Nia Ferguson; nephews Alan Smith, Matthew Smith, Adriel Ferguson, and Jason Anderson; stepmother Inez Anderson; lifelong friend Sheldon Steele; longtime friends Daniel Berger, Toya, and Yoco Atsushi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred V. and John Anderson Sr.; grandmother Laura B. Shepard; and brothers John Anderson Jr. and Dr. Gordon B. Anderson.

The family extends their deepest gratitude and love to Daniel Berger and his wife B.J., whose care, presence, and generosity during Jeffrey’s final health battles embodied love in action.

Heartfelt thanks also go to Sheldon Steele, his friend since their early teens, for his unwavering support of Jeff and the Anderson family.

Appreciation is also extended to the staff of Kaplan Family Hospice Residence and to the many friends, fans, and loved ones who have supported Jeff throughout the years.

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