Dave Roe grew up in Hawaii, playing jazz and pop standards, and later performing in various funk and horn bands. In 1980, he moved to Nashville and was immediately hired by a group playing at the Grand Ole Opry. In the years to follow, he toured with such top country acts as Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, and Vince Gill. In 1992 Dave was hired to fill the bass opening in Johnny Cash’s band, despite having no experience with upright bass. After the first show, Dave expected to be fired, but instead Cash gave him six months to learn and perfect the “hillbilly slap” sound he wanted. They played together for eight more years until Cash stopped touring. Currently Dave continues to play as a session and touring bassist for hire around Nashville, most notably as touring bassist for Dwight Yoakam.