Dave Matthews Band

Dave Matthews Band is an American rock band formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. Founding members include singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard, violinist Boyd Tinsley, and drummer Carter Beauford. Saxophonist LeRoi Moore, a founding member, was part of the band until his death in August 2008. His spot is currently occupied by Jeff Coffin, of Fleck and the Flecktones fame. With band members who each have roots in differing genres, including jazz, classical music, soul music, and Afrobeat, the combination of each member has created a sound which has earned them fans from a variety of quarters. The band is known for their annual summer-long, nationwide tours featuring lengthy improvisational renditions of their songs accompanied by video and elaborately choreographed lighting. They have sold over 31 million units in the United States alone, putting them in the Top 100 highest selling music acts of all time. The band is not only a multiple Grammy Award winner, but awarded with the NAACP Chairman’s Award for addressing issues from the fight for equality, the environment, education, racial tolerance, and AIDS awareness. According to Julian Bond, "they sell out the largest arenas on earth, but frequently give their music away."