Stefan Lessard
Stefan Lessard | |
|---|---|
 Lessard performing in 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Stefan Kahil Lessard June 4, 1974 |
| Occupations | |
| Instrument | Bass guitar |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Member of | |
| Education | Tandem Friends School |
Board member of | Reverb |
| Spouse |
Josie Baucom (m. 1997–2004)Jaclyn Burton (m. 2005) |
| Children | 5 (1 deceased) |
Stefan Lessard (born June 4, 1974)[1] is an American musician, best-known as the bassist for Dave Matthews Band, of which he is a founding member.[2] He is also a member of the supergroup Yukon Kornelius.[3][4]
Life and career
[edit]Stefan Kahil Lessard was born on June 4, 1974, to musician parents.[1] His father Ron was a professional bassist and graduated from Berklee College of Music two years after Stefan's birth.[5] During Lessard's early life his family moved between the West and East Coasts several times before settling in Yogaville, an ashram in Virginia in 1984.[5]
Lessard joined Dave Matthews Band at age 16, recommended to the band's guitarist and vocalist Dave Matthews by trumpeter and music teacher John D'earth.[6][1] Lessard commenced studying jazz at Virginia Commonwealth University. However, due to the rising popularity of Dave Matthews Band, he ceased his studies.[7]
Instruments
[edit]In addition to his typical bass guitar, Lessard also plays double bass and ukulele bass.[2] Among the basses he has used are a 1957 Fender Precision Bass (for recording of Dave Matthews Band's 2023 album Walk Around the Moon), a custom Dingwall 6-string, Music Man StingRays (4- and 5-string), a Modulus fretless, and a Warwick Dolphin.[2][8]
Personal life
[edit]In 1996, Lessard's three-week-old daughter, Aslan, died of unknown causes.[9] He married Josie Baucom in 1997; and they divorced in 2004. He then married Jaclyn Burton in 2005, with whom he has three daughters. In 2007, his home was destroyed by a fire.[10] Lessard now resides in Laguna Beach, California, and he has a son and three daughters.[8]
Lessard is a member of the advisory board of Reverb, a non-profit environmental organization.[11]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Todd, Nate (June 4, 2021). "Happy Birthday Stefan Lessard: Performing Live With Dave Matthews Band At West Point In 2007". Jambase. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- 1 2 3 D'Auria, John (March 17, 2024). "Stefan Lessard: Swimming The Fretboard". Bass Magazine. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ↑ Gray, Dylan (January 7, 2013). "Yukon Kornelius Reunites Members of Dave Matthews Band, Barenaked Ladies, Guster and Spymob". Relix. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ↑ Tucker, Brad (March 14, 2013). "Stefan Lessard Talks Yukon Kornelius". Relix. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (July 12, 2019). Dave Matthews Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Popular Jam Band. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. pp. 29–32. ISBN 978-1-4930-5088-8.
- ↑ Todd, Nate (June 4, 2020). "Happy Birthday Stefan Lessard: Dave Matthews Band Performs At Beacon Theatre In 1995". Jambase. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ↑ Mason, Anthony (May 29, 2009). "The Dave Matthews Band Opens Up". CBS News. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- 1 2 D'Auria, John (May 7, 2020). "Bass Magazine Lockdown Check-In With Stefan Lessard". Bass Magazine. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ↑ Morse, Steve (October 4, 1996). "Dave Matthews Band's brotherhood goes beyond music". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Fire destroys home of Dave Matthews Band bass player". Richmond Times-Dispatch. November 30, 2007. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Advisory Board: Stefan Lessard". Reverb. 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
