“James asked if I wrote the bassline – he was mad at me for not getting a cowriting credit”: How Allen McGrier brought his Jamerson-approved Detroit swagger to a classic R&B ballad

Musicians Rick James and Teena Marie performing during the "Fire & Desire" era circa 1981.

“Just what we need – another damn bass player from Detroit!”

That friendly chide from bassist Eddie Watkins to fellow Motown thumper Ben Adkins about Allen McGrier, who had just arrived to live at Adkins’ Los Angeles pad, begins the tale of McGrier's successful move west.