David Grisman is an American mandolinist, composer, and bandleader known for his unique blend of bluegrass, jazz, and folk music. He was born on March 23, 1945, in New Jersey and has been influential in the acoustic music scene since the 1960s. Grisman is the founder of the genre known as "dawg music," which combines elements of various musical styles. Throughout his career, Grisman has collaborated with many notable musicians, including Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and Tony Rice. He has released numerous albums and founded Grisman’s Acoustic Disc, a record label dedicated to promoting acoustic music. His innovative approach to the mandolin has inspired countless musicians.