Leland Sklar

If there were a Mount Rushmore for bass players, the magnificently bearded face of Leland Sklar would certainly be carved into it. Sklar’s bass lines have framed the sounds of classic singer-songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, underscored the vocals of Linda Ronstadt and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and built the musical firmament for everyone from Dolly Parton to Diana Ross. Estimating that he has played on over 2,000 sessions, he continues to tour the world with Phil Collins and Judith Owen. Meet the man behind the bass in this career encompassing conversation.