Leland Bruce Sklar (born May 28, 1947) is an American bassist and session musician. He rose to prominence as a member of James Taylor's backing band, which coalesced into a group in its own right, The Section, which supported so many of Asylum Records' artists that they became known as Asylum's de facto house band, as those artists became iconic singer-songwriters of the 1970s.
Sklar has recorded and toured with artists including James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Phil Collins, Toto, The Doors, Suzy Bogguss and Lyle Lovett. As a group member, session player, or touring musician, Sklar has appeared on over 2,000 albums, and contributed to many motion picture and television show soundtracks. Since 2018, he has been the bassist for The Immediate Family, a group reuniting lifelong friends and most of his former bandmates from The Section.
Tap on any album for track list.
Fender recreates Lee Sklar’s famous studio bass with dual EMG pickups, mandolin frets, Hipshot hardware, and an aged nitro finish.
EMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary with new signature bass pickups for Lee Sklar, Doug Wimbish, and Robert Trujillo.
Legendary session bassist Leland Sklar was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, joining the 2026 class alongside Michael McDonald, Keith Urban, Dann Huff, and more.
This complete 1990 Berlin show captures Phil Collins at full scale, with Leland Sklar locking in the groove and holding together a massive band.
“New Chapter” is the latest live video from Lari Basilio’s Redemption, with Leland Sklar bringing signature tone and feel on his Dingwall 5-string.
