David John Matthews (born January 9, 1967) is an American musician, and the lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band (DMB). Born in Johannesburg, Matthews moved frequently between South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States while growing up. He started playing acoustic guitar at age nine.
Matthews formed the Dave Matthews Band in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. The band’s 2012 album Away from the World made them the first group with six consecutive number one studio albums. Matthews has also acted and won two Grammy Awards.
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Dave Matthews Net Worth
Dave Matthews has a net worth of $350 million and is one of the largest private landowners in Virginia, owning hundreds of acres around Charlottesville.
Since 1999, he has owned Blenheim Farm, which he turned into Blenheim Vineyards, producing 5,500 cases of wine annually, including signature Petit Verdot and special edition wines with unique labels designed by Matthews. Matthews and his family live in a modest home in Seattle‘s Wallingford neighborhood, which he purchased in 2001 for $360,000.
Early life
David John Matthews was born on January 9, 1967, in Johannesburg, the third of four children to John and Val Matthews. At age two, his family moved to Yorktown Heights, New York, where his father worked for IBM. The family moved to Cambridge, England in 1974 and returned to New York in 1977, where Matthews’s father died from lung cancer.
Matthews attended his first concert with his mother, seeing Pete Seeger. After graduating in 1985, Matthews left South Africa to avoid military service and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he joined the local music scene.
Career
Dave Matthews founded the Dave Matthews Band in early 1991 with LeRoi Moore, Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, Boyd Tinsley, and Peter Griesar (who left in 1993). Their first gig was on March 14, 1991, at Trax Nightclub in Charlottesville. The band released their first EP, “Recently,” in 1994. Their debut album, “Under the Table and Dreaming,” was released on September 20, 1994, followed by the hit album “Crash”.
Their subsequent albums include “Before These Crowded Streets,” “Everyday,” and “Come Tomorrow.” Dave Matthews also released a solo album, “Some Devil,” in 2003.
Personal life
In January 1994, Dave Matthews‘ older sister, Anne, was murdered by her husband, who committed suicide around January 27. The tragedy deeply impacted Matthews and influenced some of his songs. Anne was survived by her two children, whom Dave and his sister Jane raised in the U.S. Jane inspired the DMB song, “The Song That Jane Likes.”
married Ashley Harper in 2000 and has twin daughters, Stella and Grace, and a son, August. He also co-founded Dreaming Tree Wines with winemakers Steve Reeder and Sean McKenzie.
Did Dave Matthews have a stroke?
Dave Matthews had a stroke. He later discovered that the cause was a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a hole in his heart. This condition can allow a clot to travel from the heart to the brain, leading to a stroke. Matthews initially focused on his leg during recovery, as it was the main concern at the time.
Conclusion
Dave Matthews’ journey from a humble beginning in South Africa to becoming a celebrated musician and savvy businessman showcases his diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit. His ability to maintain relevance in the ever-changing music industry while diversifying his investments speaks to his enduring success.
FAQs about Dave Matthews Net Worth
- How did Dave Matthews achieve his net worth?
- Through his music career, acting roles, and business ventures, including a winery.
- What is the estimated net worth of Dave Matthews?
- Around $300 million.
- What businesses does Dave Matthews own?
- He owns Blenheim Vineyards and has a partnership in Dreaming Tree Wines.
- Has Dave Matthews won any awards for his music?
- Yes, his band has won Grammy Awards and received numerous other accolades.
- What philanthropic activities is Dave Matthews involved in?
- He is a member of the Farm Aid board of directors and is known for his environmental and charitable contributions.
