Dave Matthews
Lead Singer and Guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band
Current Networth - $350 Million
Personal Stats
| Name | Dave Matthews |
|---|---|
| Role | Singer, Guitarist, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Net Worth | $350 Million |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of Birth | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Married | Yes |
| No. of Children | 3 |
| Height | 6′ 2″ |
Related People
Table of Contents
- About Dave Matthews
- Businesses Owned
- Early Life
- Family
- What is Dave Matthews' Net Worth?
- Dave Matthews's Businesses and Brands
About Dave Matthews
David John Matthews, better known as Dave Matthews, is a South African-American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the Dave Matthews Band (DMB). He is considered to be one of the best musicians in America and the largest owner of land in Virginia.
In 1991, he formed the Dave Matthews Band in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Dave Matthews Band became one of the most successful touring acts in history, renowned for their improvisational live performances and hit songs like Crash Into Me, Ants Marching, and The Space Between. Their breakthrough came with the 1994 album Under the Table and Dreaming, which propelled them to mainstream success.
Throughout his illustrious career, Matthews has won two Grammy Awards: one with the Dave Matthews Band in 1997 for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group ("So Much to Say") and one in 2004 for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance ("Gravedigger") from his solo album. The Dave Matthews Band was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Beyond music, Matthews is an actor and philanthropist. He has appeared in movies like Just Go with It, You Don’t Mess with the Zohaan,The Matrix Reloaded, etc. Some of his outstanding performances include movies like “At the Fork,” “An Evening with Jane Goodall Live,” “Lake City,” “I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry,” etc.
Businesses Owned
Dreaming Tree Wines
ATO Records
Blenheim Vineyards
Early Life
Dave Matthews grew up in a working-class family.
- David John Matthews was born on January 9, 1967 in Johannesburg.
- When he was two years old, his family relocated to Yorktown Heights, New York, where his father, a physicist, began working for IBM.
- In 1974, the Matthews family spent a year in Cambridge, England, before returning to New York.
- In 1977, when Matthews was ten years old, his father passed away from lung cancer.
- During his time in New York, he attended his first concert when his mother took him to see Pete Seeger perform.
- Later that year, the family moved back to Johannesburg. Matthews became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1980.
- After graduating from secondary school in 1985, Matthews faced mandatory conscription into the South African military at a time when resistance to the practice was growing.
- As a Quaker and a pacifist, he chose to leave South Africa to avoid military service.
- In 1986, Matthews moved to New York, where he briefly worked for IBM before relocating to Charlottesville, Virginia, to join his mother.
- His family had lived in Charlottesville before he was born, and it was there that he became involved in the local music scene, practicing in a warehouse owned by Roulhac Toledano.
- Although he had started playing guitar at age nine, he only began performing publicly after moving to Charlottesville.
- Through a mutual friend, Nic Cappon, Matthews met local musician Tim Reynolds, who eventually invited him to perform on stage.
- Encouraged to record his own music, Matthews landed his first professional gig singing Meaningful Love, a composition by John D’earth and Dawn Thompson, at a modern dance performance by the Miki
- Liszt Dance Company at the McGuffey Art Center.
- By 1991, he had the idea to form his own band. Before recording his first demo, he worked as a bartender at Miller’s, a well-known spot in Charlottesville.
- Dave founded the Dave Matthews Band in early 1991 with saxophonist LeRoi Moore, drummer Carter Beauford, bassist Stefan Lessard, violinist Boyd Tinsley, and keyboardist Peter Griesar (who left the band in 1993).
- The Dave Matthews Band's first gig was on March 14, 1991, at Trax Nightclub in Charlottesville.
- The band released its first EP, "Recently," in 1994.
Family
Bruce comes from a close-knit family.
- He is the third of four children born to South African parents, John and Val Matthews.
- In early 1994, Matthews's older sister, Anne, who lived in South Africa, was tragically murdered by her husband, who then died by suicide around January 27 of that year.
- The tragedy deeply impacted Matthews and influenced the themes of several of his songs.
- Anne Matthews left behind two children, who relocated to the United States after her passing.
- Dave and his younger sister, Jane, who inspired the Dave Matthews Band song The Song That Jane Likes, took on the responsibility of raising them.
- In 2000, Dave Matthews married his longtime girlfriend of eight years, Jennifer Ashley Harper.
- The couple has twin daughters, born in 2001, and a son, born in 2007.
- They currently live in Seattle.
Dave Matthews built his fortune as the frontman of the Dave Matthews Band, one of the highest-grossing touring acts in U.S. history. Known for hits like Crash Into Me and Ants Marching, Matthews has earned hundreds of millions through album sales, sold-out stadium tours, and a fiercely loyal fan base.
His band’s jam-heavy performances and grassroots popularity placed them alongside touring powerhouses like Phish and the Grateful Dead, while Matthews also found success as a solo artist and occasional actor.
Outside of music, Matthews has invested heavily in real estate and agriculture, owning a 1,200-acre organic farm in Virginia and several vineyards. He’s also an outspoken philanthropist, supporting environmental causes, voter rights, and disaster relief efforts. His blend of musical authenticity, business savvy, and activism has made him a rare figure in the entertainment world—one whose wealth is matched by his cultural and charitable impact.
| Net Worth | $350 Million |
|---|---|
| Yearly Income | NA |
| Profession | Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| No. of Businesses | 3 |
| No. of Sponsors (If Applicable) | NA |
| No. of Awards | 5 |
| No. of Houses | 3 |
| No. of Cars | 4+ |
What is Dave Matthews' Net Worth?
As of March 2025, Dave Matthews' net worth is estimated to be around $350 million.
The legendary South African-American musician has built most of his wealth as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the Dave Matthews Band, renowned for their energetic live performances, successful album sales, and extensive touring. DMB has sold millions of concert tickets worldwide, with ticket prices averaging around $60 and ranging from $45 for lawn seats to $85 for pit or lower-reserved seating.
Between 2000 and 2010, the band sold more concert tickets and generated more revenue than any other band in North America. Their 2012 album, Away from the World, made them the first group to have six consecutive studio albums debut at number one on the Billboard charts.
During their tours from 2000 to 2009, Dave Matthews Band (DMB) was one of the highest-grossing live acts. According to reports, the band generated over $500 million in concert revenue during that period. Their consistent touring and strong ticket sales significantly contributed to Dave Matthews' net worth.
While Matthews earns significantly from touring, he also has other revenue streams, including merchandise sales. In 1998, DMB was making an astonishing $200,000 per day from merch while on tour. Additionally, the Dave Matthews Band Warehouse fan club has approximately 100,000 members, each paying $35 annually for early access to concert tickets, bringing in around $3.5 million per year.
Beyond music, Matthews has explored acting, appearing in films like Because of Winn-Dixie and Just Go with It. He also owns Blenheim Vineyards in Virginia, adding to his diverse financial portfolio.
Dave Matthews's Businesses and Brands
What Businesses Does Dave Matthews Own?
Outside of his music career, the South African-American singer earns significant wealth through various business ventures, including:
- Dreaming Tree Wines: In 2011, the "Crash Into Me” hitmaker partnered with winemakers Steve Reeder and Sean McKenzie to launch Dreaming Tree Wines, a California-based wine brand. Named after the Dave Matthews Band song The Dreaming Tree, the brand focuses on producing high-quality, environmentally friendly wines at accessible prices. Dreaming Tree Wines offers a variety of selections, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and a red blend called Crush.
- Blenheim Vineyards: In 1999, Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band purchased over 10 acres of land in Albemarle County, Virginia, known as Blenheim Farm, to preserve its historical significance and transform it into a working farm. Recognizing its potential for winemaking, he planted grapevines on the property, which lies within both the Virginia and Monticello viticultural areas. This led to the founding of Blenheim Vineyards in 2000. Today, the 32-acre winery produces 5,500 cases of 100% Virginia-grown wine annually, including its signature Petit Verdot and special edition wines featuring unique labels designed by Matthews. Beyond winemaking, he has invested in additional farmland near Scottsville, Virginia, where he raises cattle and promotes sustainable farming practices.
- ATO Records: ATO Records is an independent record label based in New York City, founded in 2000 by Dave Matthews and his manager, Coran Capshaw. The label is dedicated to fostering artists' careers by providing them with creative freedom and long-term support. Known for its artist-driven approach, ATO has signed a diverse range of musicians, including My Morning Jacket, Alabama Shakes, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Drive-By Truckers. The roster also features acts like Black Pumas, Nick Hakim, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.
What Brands Does Dave Matthews Endorse?
Unlike many high-profile musicians, the legendary frontman of the Dave Matthews Band has largely avoided traditional brand endorsements, choosing instead to focus on his music, live performances, and business ventures.
Assets and Lifestyle of Bruce Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews's Houses
The two-time Grammy Award winner has an impressive real estate portfolio, with multiple homes in Virginia, Seattle, and Malibu. He is also believed to be the largest private landowner in Virginia. Here are some key details about his properties.
- Home in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle: Matthews purchased a beautiful home in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle in 2000 after marrying his wife so that she could study naturopathic medicine. The single-story house, built in 1922, spans approximately 2,180 square feet and features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. He bought it for $360,000, and its estimated value has since risen to around $1,046,200. Surrounded by trees and greenery, the home offers privacy for Matthews, his wife, their twin daughters, and their son.
- Estate in Malibu: Matthews purchased a European-style estate in a prime Malibu location. Situated on 1.78 acres of rare flat land in the sought-after Point Dume area, the newly renovated home spans approximately 7,000 square feet. According to The Real Estalker, the singer paid $6,575,000 for the six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom estate. The luxurious beach house features a pool, spa, an orchard, and exclusive Riviera III beach rights to Little Dume Beach. Additionally, the estate includes approved plans and permits for a 900-square-foot guest house, which will serve as a recording studio.
Additionally, the legendary frontman of the Dave Matthews Band also owns a bungalow in Seattle, though details about the property are limited.
Dave Matthews's Cars
Over the years, the legendary musician has built an impressive yet practical car collection, featuring a Cadillac Escalade and a Toyota Prius. Let’s take a closer look at his relatively small but functional lineup.
- 2014 Toyota Prius: In a short video clip, Matthews shares his thoughts on choosing a car, saying, "I need a car that can't go fast because if it could, I would go fast and crash." Other notable personalities who own one include Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Kate Hudson, and actress Jennifer Aniston.
- 2018 Cadillac Escalade: Matthews has been seen multiple times in New York City with his Cadillac Escalade. According to Esquire, he was spotted in 2018 wearing Blundstone boots as he stepped out of his black SUV.
- 2006 Hyundai Elantra: Matthews was captured with a Hyundai Elantra that had a license plate displaying "DMB.” While it's unclear if the car is part of his collection, it's still worth noting.
- 2016 BMW 3 Series: In 2020, Matthews was involved in a car accident that may have involved his BMW. According to Sweet Lawyers, photos from the crash show a badly damaged BMW, possibly a Series 3 model, which could have been one of his cars.
To know more about his humble car collection and get a closer look at his automotive tastes, check out the full article on his car collection.
What's Next For Dave Matthews?
The Dave Matthews Band (DMB) has announced their 2025 Summer Tour, marking their 33rd consecutive year of nationwide performances. The tour kicks off on April 27 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and includes notable stops such as a two-night performance in Richmond, VA- their first in 30 years, on July 15 and 16 at the newly opened Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. On August 22, the band will return to Inglewood's historic Kia Forum for the first time since 1998. The tour concludes with their traditional Labor Day weekend residency at The Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA, from August 29 to 31.
Alongside the tour, the band continues its sustainability initiatives with Live Nation Concerts, aiming to divert 90% of fan-generated waste from landfills and expanding its partnership with The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign, bringing the total to six million trees planted since 2020.
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