The Questlove Show BONUS: James Alexander on The Bar-Kays' Rivalry With Cameo
Feb 21, 2026
James Alexander, longtime bassist and surviving member of The Bar-Kays, shares firsthand memories from the 1960s music scene. He recounts electrifying onstage battles, the culture of 'cutting heads,' tensions with Cameo over pay and showmanship, and how those rivalries shaped the band’s comeback and legacy.
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Night In Cleveland Before The Crash
- James Alexander recalls flying to Cleveland after a Vanderbilt show to see The O'Jays and The Temptations perform the night before the Otis Redding crash.
- He describes the O'Jays earning a prolonged standing ovation that even made The Temptations hesitate to come out.
Band Rivalry And 'Head Cutting' Battles
- James Alexander tells a story about onstage 'head cutting' battles and a rivalry between The Bar-Kays and Cameo.
- He frames the rivalry as showmanship and ego-driven competition that influenced how bands performed and responded to each other.
Cameo Demands Extra Pay In Dallas
- James Alexander recounts hiring Cameo for sold-out Reunion Arena shows in Dallas and paying them $40,000 for two performances.
- He describes how Cameo demanded an extra $5,000 after seeing the sold-out crowd, forcing The Bar-Kays to scramble and pay to avoid disorder.