Edgar Meyer is a prominent contemporary American double bassist and composer born on November 24, 1960, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Although not a traditional visual artist, Meyer's artistry is expressed through his virtuosic musicianship and his innovative approach to composition and performance.
Meyer's early musical education began with studying classical bass but he quickly expanded his repertoire to include bluegrass, jazz, and newgrass styles. He studied at Indiana University with Stuart Sankey and later at the Aspen Music School with notable bassist François Rabbath. Meyer's diverse musical background has allowed him to cross traditional genre boundaries, making him a unique figure in the world of contemporary music.
Throughout his career, Meyer has been known for his collaborations with other prominent musicians across various genres. He has worked with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Mark O'Connor, and Chris Thile, among others. His work with Yo-Yo Ma and Mark O'Connor on the album 'Appalachia Waltz' brought him substantial acclaim and showcased his ability to blend classical, folk, and bluegrass elements.
Meyer's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including several Grammy Awards. He is also a respected educator, having taught at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music. Edgar Meyer continues to perform, compose, and collaborate with musicians around the world, and his innovative compositions and performances have made a lasting impact on the evolution of double bass playing.