Dave Matthews Band (DMB) was formed in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1991. The band’s founding members include Dave Matthews (singer-songwriter and guitarist), Stefan Lessard (bassist), Carter Beauford (drummer and backing vocalist), Boyd Tinsley (violinist and backing vocalist), and LeRoi Moore (saxophonist). Matthews, Lessard, and Beauford are the only remaining founding members still performing with the band.
In 1994, Dave Matthews Band released their major label debut Under the Table and Dreaming. The album was certified platinum six times and produced some of the band’s biggest hits like “What Would You Say” (featuring John Popper of Blues Traveler on harmonica), “Satellite”, and “Ants Marching”. DMB’s sophomore album Crash was a huge success producing the singles “Too Much”, “Crash Into Me”, and “So Much To Say.” Crash brought Dave Matthews band their first Grammy in 1996 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for “So Much to Say”. Crash is DMB’s best-selling album with a 7x platinum certification for sales of over 7 million in the US.
Their third studio album, Before These Crowded Streets, was released in 1998 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. In its first week, the album sold 421,000 units and knocked the Titanic soundtrack from the top spot after a run of 16 consecutive weeks at #1.
In 2001, Dave Matthews Band released their fourth studio album Everyday, followed by Busted Stuff in 2002, Stand Up in 2005, Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King in 2009, Away From the World in 2012, and Come Tomorrow in 2018. Come Tomorrow, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and made Dave Matthews Band the first band to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at number 1.
They are best known for their live shows, performing songs differently for each live performance. DMB has released numerous Live Albums and as of 2018 has sold more than 25 million concert tickets.
In 1999, Dave Matthews Band founded their own charity, BAMA Works Fund to address the needs of disadvantaged youth, disabled persons, the environment, and arts and humanities in the Charlottesville, Virginia area, but have responded to a wide variety of needs nationally and internationally. The fund has raised over $52M and has made over 2000 grants since its inception.
Fun Fact: Dave Matthews Band has their own day. September 27th is officially known as Dave Matthews Band Day in Charlottesville, Virginia.