Boyd Tinsley of Dave Matthews Band

American rock Dave Matthews Band was formed in Virginia in 1991. Founding members of the band include singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard, drummer and backing vocalist Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore. After the band was formed a year later, Boyd Tinsley joined the group as a violinist. Jeff Coffin took the spot of Moore in 2008 after Moore’s death. Trumpeter Rashawn Ross and Electric guitarist Tim Reynolds also become full-time touring members of the band. The group has debuted six consecutive Platinum-selling studio albums that topped the Billboard’s Hot 200 charts. As of 2010, Dave Matthews Band has sold over 20 million records worldwide.

Boyd Tinsley or B.T. well-known from his dark glasses also collaborated in writing songs, harmonizing and backing vocals for the band. Tinsley started his career in the late 80s with the band “Down Boy Down.” In early 1990s, he formed the Boyd Tinsley Trio, which lasted for two years. He auditioned to the Dave Matthews Band in 1991 and played the violin to the song “Tripping Billies.” Tinsley was signed in 1992.

Tinsley not only can play the violin but also the electric violin, viola, mandolin and the guitar.

Aside from making music with the Dave Matthews Band, Tinsley has released his solo album in 2003 titled, “True Reflections.” True Reflections is a rock album and focused more on Tinsley’s vocal instrument. True Reflections consist of 11 tracks and featured collaboration with Neil Young and Dave Matthews. The album reached #3 on the Billboard Internet Sales chart.