Sam Rivers was playing in a band openeing for Fred's band when after viewing Sam play, Fred came up to Sam and asked him if he wanted to start a new band with him and Sam said sure. They were looking for a drummer, so Sam suggested his younger cousin John to play temporarly. Turns out John was so good, they just kept him as a full time drummer. Fred was just overwhelmed with Sam's talent and bass style. Fred knew Sam was serious about playing music.