Stefan Lessard

Biography

Stefan Lessard (born June 4, 1974) is an American musician, best-known as the bassist for Dave Matthews Band, of which he is a founding member. He is also a member of the supergroup Yukon Kornelius.

Life and career

Stefan Kahil Lessard was born on June 4, 1974, to musician parents. His father Ron was a professional bassist and graduated from Berklee College of Music two years after Stefan's birth. 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.
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. Lessard commenced studying jazz at Virginia Commonwealth University. However, due to the rising popularity of Dave Matthews Band, he ceased his studies.

Personal life

In 1996, Lessard's three-week-old daughter, Aslan, died of unknown causes. 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. Lessard now resides in Laguna Beach, California, and he has a son and three daughters.
Lessard is a member of the advisory board of Reverb, a non-profit environmental organization.