Childhood
Born in Jacksonville, Florida on June 8, 1979. He is the nephew of Butch Trucks, drummer of The Allman Brothers Band. Derek started playing the guitar at the age of nine, when he bought a guitar at a yard sale. His father and a family friend taught him how to play it and within a year he was already touring. His father accompanied him to all his gigs and acted as his manager.
Rise to Fame
At the age of 11, Derek performed at his first paying gig. A year later, he formed his first band, the Derek Trucks Band (DTB). Jazz/blues musician Todd Smallie joined Derek's band in 1994, drummer Yonrico Scott in 1995, flutist Kofi Burbridge in 1999 and vocalist Mike Mattison in 2002. Another member, percussionist Count M'Butu, performs with the band from time to time.
Notable Awards and Performances
- Derek was included in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list, the youngest on the list, because of his skill at playing the guitar.
- Also performed with the Allman Brothers Band: Peakin' at the Beacon (2000), Hittin' the Note (2003), At the Beacon Theatre (2003, live DVD) and One Way Out (2004).
- Known for his slide guitar playing.
- Under Sony BMG, the Derek Trucks Band released the following albums: The Derek Trucks Band (1997), Out of the Madness (1998), Joyful Noise (2002), Soul Serenade (2003), Live at Georgia Theatre (2004) and Songlines (2006).
- He was the accompanying guitarist of Eric Clapton in his 2007 tour.
The Derek Trucks Band blends various music genres, from jazz to Latin music. The band values music as an art form aiming to create music at its' purest form.
