Norwood Fisher is an influential American bassist, songwriter, and cultural innovator best known as a founding member of the groundbreaking band Fishbone. Renowned for his explosive bass style and genre-blending creativity, Fisher helped shape one of the most original sounds to emerge from the Los Angeles music scene of the 1980s.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Fisher co-founded Fishbone in 1979 alongside his brother, vocalist and saxophonist Angelo Moore, along with a group of high-school friends. The band fused punk, funk, ska, soul, and rock into a high-energy style that defied categorization and became hugely influential on alternative and funk-rock scenes. As the group’s bassist, Fisher developed a signature sound characterized by deep funk grooves, sharp rhythmic precision, and an adventurous musical approach.
Fishbone’s electrifying live performances and socially conscious songwriting earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim. Over the decades, Fisher has remained a central creative force within the band, contributing to albums that have inspired generations of musicians across genres from alternative rock to funk and ska.
Beyond Fishbone, Fisher is also respected as a mentor, producer, and advocate for musical creativity and artistic independence. Through workshops, collaborations, and speaking engagements, he continues to encourage young musicians to explore the roots of funk and to develop their own authentic voices.
Today, Norwood Fisher stands as one of the most distinctive bassists in modern funk and alternative music—a musician whose innovative playing and fearless artistic spirit helped redefine what a bass guitar could do in contemporary music.
