Leland Sklar is a 77-years-old American musician, bassist, and composer, widely recognized for his remarkable contributions to the music industry, with a whopping net worth of $5 million.
With a career spanning over five decades, he has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including James Taylor and Toto. In his personal life, Sklar has been married to his wife, Maureen, since December 17, 1970, and they have shared over five decades together.
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Who is Leland Sklar?
Leland Sklar is a legendary bassist known for his remarkable contributions to the music industry. Over the course of his decades-long career, he has played with some of the most iconic artists in rock, pop, and folk music.
His deep, resonant bass lines have been an integral part of countless albums, earning him a reputation as one of the most sought-after session musicians.
Whether performing on stage or in the studio, Sklar’s signature sound and masterful technique have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
As a member of the acclaimed session musician group The Section, he played a key role in shaping the sound of the 1970s and beyond. Beyond his work as a bassist, Sklar has expanded his creative pursuits into other areas.
He is an author has published Everybody Loves Me. Additionally, he has explored the world of NFTs and merchandise. Even after decades in the industry, he remains active, continuing to perform, create, and inspire musicians around the world.
His passion for his craft and his ever-evolving artistic journey serve as a testament to the power of music and its ability to connect people across generations.
Leland Sklar Early Life & Family
Leland Sklar was born on May 28, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. He holds American nationality by birth. His ethnicity is mixed, with Ukrainian ancestry from his father’s side and European roots from his mother’s side.
Leland’s paternal family originally came from Odesa, Ukraine, before settling in Milwaukee. His surname, Sklar, is of Ukrainian origin and means glazier. His parents’ names are not publicly known.
Leland’s mother’s family came from Duluth, Minnesota, while his father’s family was based in Milwaukee. His father’s ancestors immigrated from Ukraine. However, he has not widely shared information regarding professions or personal backgrounds of his parents.
At the age of 4, He and his family moved to Van Nuys, California. His parents supported his musical interests from a young age. Leland had an older brother named George Sklar.
George started learning the piano at the age of five. He got inspired by his brother, then he also took up classical piano lessons and developed exceptional skills. His family’s religious background or personal beliefs have not been widely documented.
Leland Sklar Education
Leland Sklar attended Birmingham High School, which included grades 7–12. He initially focused on piano, but his orchestra teacher, Mr. Ted Lynn, introduced him to the upright bass. He was given an old blonde Kay bass.
Leland quickly became interested and started playing string bass in the school orchestra and dance band. He was also active in the school’s marching band. In his first year, he played the bass drum.
Leland later wanted a different role and was given three choices: bass drum, Sousaphone, or drum major. He decided to become a drum major.
Leland attended a summer training program at Redlands University, where he learned to lead a marching band and design halftime performances.
He still keeps the baton from that time. After graduating from Birmingham High School in 1965, he enrolled at San Fernando Valley State College, now called California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Leland studied there for five years, from 1965 to 1970.
He focused on developing his bass-playing skills and became involved in the local music scene. Leland started gaining opportunities to perform professionally.
He never completed his degree. His growing music career took him in a different direction. By the late 1960s, he was already working with well-known musicians. This marked the beginning of his long and successful journey as a session bassist.
Leland Sklar Age
Leland Sklar is 77 years old as of 2024 because he came into the world on May 28, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. According to his birthday, he falls under the Gemini zodiac sign.
Early Musical Beginnings
Leland Sklar musical journey began with classical piano lessons at a young age, and he quickly developed a deep appreciation for music.
However, in junior high school, his orchestra teacher introduced him to the bass guitar, a moment that would change the course of his life.
Drawn to the instrument’s rhythm and depth, Sklar immersed himself in learning bass, eventually deciding to pursue music seriously. He went on to study music at California State University, Northridge, where he refined his skills and laid the foundation for his future career.
Breakthrough with James Taylor
In 1969, Sklar’s career took a significant leap forward when he was introduced to singer-songwriter James Taylor by guitarist Danny Kortchmar. Taylor, on the verge of stardom, invited Sklar to play bass on his second studio album, Sweet Baby James (1970).
The album became a massive success, marking the beginning of a long-lasting collaboration between Sklar and Taylor.
Sklar’s smooth yet precise bass playing became a defining feature of Taylor’s music. His association with Taylor also opened doors to working with other legendary artists in the folk and rock scenes.
Formation of The Section and Session Work
During the early 1970s, Sklar became part of The Section, a highly regarded group of session musicians that included Russ Kunkel on drums, Danny Kortchmar on guitar, and Craig Doerge on keyboards.
The Section became one of the most in-demand backing bands, playing on numerous albums by iconic artists such as Carole King, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Their collective musicianship helped define the West Coast sound, blending folk, rock, and pop influences seamlessly. In addition to working as a backing band, The Section also released their own instrumental albums, further showing their talent.
Sklar’s reputation as a versatile and reliable session bassist grew rapidly, leading him to work with an extraordinary range of artists. He played on albums for Phil Collins, Toto, Hall & Oates, Rod Stewart, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Tracy Chapman, among many others.
His ability to adapt to different musical styles whether soft rock, jazz fusion, pop, or country made him one of the most recorded bassists in history. Over the years, he contributed to over 2,000 albums which built his legacy as a session musician.
Touring Career and Live Performances
Beyond his extensive studio work, Sklar became a key figure in live music, touring with some of the biggest names in the industry. One of his most notable touring roles was as the bassist for Phil Collins, with whom he played during multiple world tours.
His presence in Collins’ band was instrumental in delivering the energy and precision required for live performances, making him a fan favorite. Sklar also maintained a close relationship with James Taylor and Carole King, touring with them frequently.
In 2010, he joined them for the Troubadour Reunion Tour, a nostalgic celebration of their early performances at the famous Troubadour club in Los Angeles. Additionally, he performed live with artists like Lyle Lovett, Van Dyke Parks, and Judith Owen.
Between 2007 and 2008, Sklar played with Toto during their Falling in Between Tour. He stepped in for Mike Porcaro, who was battling ALS.
He later rejoined the band for the Toto XIV Tour (2016–2017). His ability to blend seamlessly with different artists and bands made him a sought-after live performer throughout his career.
The Immediate Family and New Musical Ventures
In 2018, Sklar reunited with longtime collaborators Russ Kunkel, Danny Kortchmar, and Waddy Wachtel to form The Immediate Family, along with musician Steve Postell.
This new band continued the legacy of The Section, which brings their collective experience to fresh recordings and live performances. The Immediate Family gained significant attention, particularly in Japan, where they toured extensively.
Their self-titled debut album, The Immediate Family, was released in 2021, followed by a short U.S. tour. The band’s music paid homage to the classic rock and folk traditions they had helped shape, while also incorporating new creative influences.
The chemistry between the members was forged over decades of collaboration. It was evident in their performances and made them a favorite among fans of classic rock and session musicianship.
YouTube Channel and Digital Presence
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sklar found a new platform to connect with fans when he launched his official YouTube channel on March 24. Initially, he used the channel to break down basslines from songs he had played with Phil Collins and other artists.
However, it quickly evolved into a space where he shared behind-the-scenes stories from his career, musical insights, and personal anecdotes. The channel gained a strong following, offering a rare glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most accomplished session musicians.
Sklar also embraced digital ventures beyond YouTube. He explored the world of NFTs, creating digital collectibles related to his career, and developed a website where fans could purchase autographed copies of his work, merchandise, and other memorabilia.
His ability to adapt to modern platforms showcased his continued passion for music and engagement with fans.
Publishing and Personal Projects
Sklar ventured into publishing with his coffee table book, Everybody Loves Me. The book features around 6,000 humorous photos of people flipping him off. It includes both celebrities and everyday individuals. The collection became a hit among fans.
It captured Sklar’s playful personality and the friendships he had built over the years in the industry. The book was accompanied by a dedicated website, where fans could explore related art prints, T-shirts, and more.
Industry Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his career, Sklar remained actively involved in high-profile music events. He performed at the We Write the Songs event at the Library of Congress, an ASCAP-sponsored celebration of songwriting.
He was also featured in the pre-show for the Grammy Awards, highlighting his continued influence in the industry. In 2022, he appeared in the CNN documentary Just Call Out My Name, performing with James Taylor and Carole King, further cementing his legacy.
Despite his global success, Sklar never lost his deep appreciation for music. He often spoke about the musicians who inspired him, citing Rinat Ibragimov, the late principal double bassist of the London Symphony Orchestra, as one of his favorites.
His eclectic taste in music was also reflected in the list of his top ten favorite songs, which he compiled for Spotify in May 2020. His selections included tracks from Joe Cocker, Steve Winwood, The Spinners, Phil Collins, and Gene Clark.
Songs
Leland Sklar has played bass on thousands of songs and albums. Some notable tracks and albums he has contributed to include:
- Fire and Rain
- You’ve Got a Friend
- Sweet Baby James
- Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon
- In the Air Tonight
- Another Day in Paradise
- Against All Odds
- Face Value (Album)
- No Jacket Required
- It’s Too Late
- Tapestry (Album)
- Falling in Between Live
- The Immediate Family
Books
- Everybody Loves Me (Published in 2020) – A coffee table book featuring around 6,000 photos of people, including celebrities, giving him the finger, which has become his signature gesture.
Leland Sklar Net Worth
Leland Sklar has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025. He makes money primarily through his career as a session bassist, live touring musician, and songwriter. He also earns revenue from album recordings, royalties, and performances with his band, The Immediate Family.
Additionally, he generates income from his YouTube channel, where he shares insights into his musical journey, and from the sales of his book Everybody Loves Me, merchandise, and limited-edition art prints. Sklar has also explored the NFT market, further diversifying his sources of income.
Leland Sklar Wife and Kids
Leland Sklar has been married to his wife, Maureen, for over five decades. The couple tied the knot on December 17, 1970, and have remained together for more than 54 years.
Despite his demanding career in the music industry, Sklar has always maintained a strong and private relationship with his wife. Their long-lasting marriage is a testament to their deep bond and mutual understanding.
While Sklar is widely recognized for his contributions to music, he has kept his personal life out of the spotlight. He rarely shares details about his family as he prefers to focus on his professional journey.
In addition to his children, Sklar has not shared any information regarding his children. Also, It is unknown whether he has any. Unlike many celebrities who share aspects of their personal lives on social media, Sklar has maintained privacy regarding his family.
Leland Sklar Height and Weight
Leland Sklar stands at an estimated height of around 6 feet 10 inches which is equal to 186 centimeters or 1.86 meters and has a lean build.
He weighs around 80 kilogrmas which is equal to 176 pounds. He maintains a slender physique that reflects his energetic lifestyle as a touring musician.
Social Media Presence
Leland Sklar has a strong social media presence on various platforms. He launched his official YouTube channel on March 24, 2020, where he shares behind-the-scenes stories, bass tutorials, and insights from his decades-long career.
Sklar is also active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where he shares updates about his projects, personal life, and interactions with fellow musicians.
Additionally, he created Lee’s Clubhouse, an online community for fans, and has explored the NFT market, further expanding his digital presence.
Leland Sklar Accident
Leland Sklar was involved in a car accident when his parked truck was hit by a drunk driver. Fortunately, he was not inside the vehicle at the time, so he did not suffer any injuries. The crash caused significant damage to his truck, but he remained safe.
The driver responsible for the accident was later arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Authorities took the necessary legal action, ensuring accountability for the reckless behavior. Sklar shared the incident with his fans and reassuring them that he was unharmed.
Bottom Line
In the Bottom line, Leland Sklar’s journey shows the power of passion and hard work. His music has reached many people, and he continues to inspire new artists.
Leland’s talent and dedication have made a lasting mark. His story proves that loving what you do can lead to a great and meaningful career.
That’s all about his journey! Feel free to share your feedback and opinions below.
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