in 2012 Born in the New York City to
Puerto Rican immigrants, Spanish was Haslip's first language and he learned to speak English in kindergarten. His father, James Joseph (Jaime) Haslip (1915–1999) served in the
United States Customs Service, beginning as a
Merchant Marine until moving to patrolman and eventually deputy commissioner, marrying Jimmy's mother Virginia (Viera) Haslip (1912–2009) in 1937. Haslip moved to
Huntington, New York when he was four years old. At age seven, he began playing drums and then moved onto other instruments such as trumpet and tuba until playing bass at age 15. Although he took music lessons and went to a private music school, he considers himself self-taught. He has said that he went to a local music shop with his father and purchased a right-handed bass (he is left-handed) and learned to play it upside down (without restringing). In an interview with magazine
JazzTimes, Haslip said he was surrounded by music as a young boy, from visiting nightclubs and concert venues to his peers. He explains that there was music in his house as well, from his older brother Gabriel listening to classic
jazz, his father listening to Latin and orchestra jazz and his aunt listening to "sappy stuff like
Jerry Vale and
Johnny Mathis". and
Red Heat, with
Joe Vannelli, in 2000. He was active with the Yellowjackets between 1977 and 2012. He was part of a combo with
Allan Holdsworth,
Alan Pasqua, and
Chad Wackerman. Other collaborations include Jing Chi (with Robben Ford and
Vinnie Colaiuta) and
Modereko. Haslip was a member of the rock group
Blackjack from 1979–1980 with
Bruce Kulick,
Sandy Gennaro, and
Michael Bolton. He also toured with guitarist Allan Holdsworth and drummer
Virgil Donati. In 2012, Haslip took a year-long hiatus from Yellowjackets, which later turned permanent. Haslip wanted to devote more time to his family and other musical projects. He was replaced in Yellowjackets by Felix Pastorius, the son of
Jaco Pastorius. Regarding this topic, he stated: "The primary reason for my hiatus is so that I can spend more quality time with my family", says Haslip. "I spent ten months on the road last year. The break will give me an opportunity to spend more time at home as well as work on other artistic endeavors, such as independently producing projects". Haslip adds, "This was not a rash decision and there is no animosity by any means. Everybody is still friends and I'm excited for the band and their upcoming plans with Felix". Haslip has cited
James Jamerson,
Paul McCartney,
Chris Squire,
Peter Cetera,
Jack Bruce,
Noel Redding,
Jack Casady,
Phil Lesh,
Berry Oakley,
Ron Carter,
Scott LaFaro,
Jimmy Garrison,
Reggie Workman,
Jaco Pastorius, and
Anthony Jackson as influences on his playing. == Personal life and interests ==