Dave Matthews

About

Dave Matthews, born David John Matthews on January 9, 1967, is a South African-born American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and record label owner. He is best known as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band (DMB), an American rock band formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. Considered one of the most successful rock groups of the 1990s and 2000s, DMB is known for their annual summer-long tours and improvisational renditions of their songs in concert. Matthews has also embarked on successful solo endeavors, in addition to acting roles in several films. He's been recognized for his work with various philanthropic causes, notably founding the Bama Works Fund which supports charitable programs in the Charlottesville area.

Associated With

Dave Matthews, a renowned South African-born American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and record label owner, has collaborated with various artists and personalities in the entertainment industry. On the music scene, he formed the Dave Matthews Band in 1991, where he worked with talented musicians like Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, and Boyd Tinsley. Matthews has also performed on stage with other notable artists including Tim Reynolds, and Neil Young. Moreover, he ventured into acting, most notably working with Adam Sandler in the movie "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry". Relationship-wise, he has had a stable personal life, being married to Jennifer Ashley Harper since 2000. His other notable collaborations include co-founding ATO Records, a label that has housed artists such as My Morning Jacket and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Career Highlights

• 1991: Dave Matthews Band was officially formed with Dave Matthews, LeRoi Moore, Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, and Peter Griesar.
• 1994: The band released their first studio album, "Under the Table and Dreaming," which reached platinum status within four months of its release.
• 1996: Their second album, "Crash," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and quickly went platinum.
• 1997: Dave Matthews Band won the Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for the song "So much to Say."
• 2000: The band released their first live album, "Listener Supported," which topped the Billboard 200 chart in its first week of release.
• 2003: The album "Busted Stuff" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album of the Year.
• 2005: Dave Matthews Band released "Stand Up," which topped the Billboard 200 and made them the only band to have six consecutive studio albums debut at No. 1.
• 2012: Their album "Away from the World" also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, extending their career record for the most number-one albums by a band.
• 2018: Dave Matthews Band's ninth studio album, "Come Tomorrow," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, continuing their pattern of success.
• 2020: Dave Matthews received the John Steinbeck Award for his environmental and humanitarian efforts. This award had previously been won by Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam, among others.

Notable Awards

• Dave Matthews and his band, Dave Matthews Band, have won several notable awards.
• Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (1997) – “So Much to Say"
• Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance (2004) – “Gravedigger"
• NAACP Chairman's Award (2005)
• ASCAP Film and Television Music Award for Most Performed Song from Motion Pictures (2006) – “Where are You Going” from Mr. Deeds
• Jammys Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
• ASCAP Songwriter of the Year (2007)
• It's worth noting that the band has received numerous other nominations in various categories over the years as well.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Dave Matthews Song/Album?

The Dave Matthews Band is renowned for numerous songs, but "Crash Into Me," from their second studio album "Crash," is arguably their most popular song. Released in 1996, this sensual and evocative song reached number 7 on Billboard’s Pop chart and is now recognized as a classic. However, the band's most commercially successful project would probably be their 2001 album "Everyday," which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and built on the success of the chart-topping single "The Space Between." Its blend of rock, folk, and jazz music, along with its reflective lyrics, appealed to a large audience and helped to solidify the band's place in music history.

How Did Dave Matthews Get Famous?

Dave Matthews gained fame as the frontman and songwriter for Dave Matthews Band, which he formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. Originally bartending in a local jazz club, he decided to form a band by recruiting local, talented musicians including Carter Beauford and Stefan Lessard, which eventually took on his name. The band's eclectic blend of sounds, from rock to jazz and folk, along with their dynamic live performances, developed a dedicated fan base through extensive touring. The band’s breakout album, "Under the Table and Dreaming" in 1994, brought them national acclaim and several of its singles, including "What Would You Say" and "Ants Marching," were major hits. Matthews’s expressive songwriting and distinct stage presence greatly contributed to their success.