Dave Stanley

David Stanley (Tyler, Texas) has been a powerhouse bassist, songwriter, and producer for more than 60 years. He began playing string bass and guitar at age 13, sometimes standing on a chair to reach the neck, performing everywhere from lake parties and wrestling matches to East Texas honky-tonks. His skill and groove quickly made him a sought-after player.

By the 1970s, David was an in-demand session musician and touring bassist, recording for film soundtracks, national commercials, and albums spanning country, rock, blues, and jazz. His credits include performing and recording with Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, Freddy Fender, Steely Dan, and John Belushi of The Blues Brothers. He’s appeared on The Midnight Special, That’s Incredible, Video Country, and a BBC special, and his bass lines have anchored everything from hit records to iconic ad campaigns like “Don’t Mess with Texas.”

In 1988, David co-founded The Lone Star Ramblers, a high-energy country-comedy group that toured nationally, recorded ten albums, and performed regularly at Dollywood and the Texas State Fair. He was among the first recipients of Buddy Magazine’s “Texas Tornado” award, honoring musicians who have made a lasting impact on the Texas music scene.

Today, David continues to perform, record, and produce, mastering everything from full-scale stage shows to intimate acoustic projects. In his bass workshops, he shares not only the techniques that have kept him in demand for decades, but also the art of listening, locking in with other musicians, and bringing out the best in a song—skills that come from a lifetime on stage and in the studio.