Stefan Lessard | |
|---|---|
 Lessard performing in 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Stefan Kahil Lessard 4 June 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]
Life and career
[edit]Stefan Kahil Lessard was born on June 4, 1974, to musician parents.[1] He 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.[4][1] Lessard commenced studying jazz at Virginia Commonwealth University. However, due to the rising popularity of Dave Matthews Band, he ceased his studies.[5]
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][6]
Personal life
[edit]In 1996, Lessard's three-week-old daughter, Asian, died of unknown causes.[7] He married Josie Baucom in 1997; and they divorced in 2004. He remarried to Jaclyn Burton in 2005. In 2007, his home was destroyed by a fire.[8] Lessard now resides in Laguna Beach, California, and he has a son and three daughters.[6]
Lessard is a member of the advisory board of Reverb, a non-profit environmental organization.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
