Derek Trucks, born June 8, 1979, is an American guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader known as one of the top slide guitarists in modern music. He started The Derek Trucks Band in 1994 and joined The Allman Brothers Band in 1999 when he was 20. In 2010, he and his wife, singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi, started the Tedeschi Trucks Band, mixing blues, rock, soul, jazz, and world music. Derek’s guitar style is inspired by musicians like Duane Allman, Elmore James, Ali Akbar Khan, and John Coltrane. He is known for using open-E slide tuning, clear phrasing, and playing with emotion. As of March 2026, at age 46, Derek leads the Tedeschi Trucks Band, tours often, records music, and works with artists from different genres. Age Born June 8, 1979, in Jacksonville, Florida, Derek Trucks is 46 years old as of March 2026. Derek Trucks grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, in a musical family. His uncle, Butch Trucks, was a founding drummer of The Allman Brothers Band, exposing Derek to blues and Southern rock from an early age. Derek bought his first guitar at a yard sale for $5 at age nine and quickly became a prodigy. By age 11, he was performing paid gigs, and at 13, he toured with the band Thunderhawk. He began using slide guitar early because it suited his small hands and allowed expressive playing. As a teenager, he studied Indian classical music at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California, under the guidance of sarod master Ali Akbar Khan. In 1994, at age 15, Derek formed The Derek Trucks Band and released his self-titled debut in 1997. By 20, he had played with legends like Bob Dylan, Joe Walsh, and Stephen Stills. In 1999, he joined The Allman Brothers Band full-time, appearing on albums like Peakin’ at the Beacon (2000), Hittin’ the Note (2003), and One Way Out (2004). He remained with the band until their final show on October 28, 2014, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. In 2007, Derek and Susan Tedeschi started playing together as Soul Stew Revival. By 2010, they formed the Tedeschi Trucks Band and released several albums, including Revelator (2011, which won a Grammy for Best Blues Album), Everybody’s Talkin’ (2012), Made Up Mind (2013), Let Me Get By (2016), Signs (2019), and the four-part I Am the Moon (2022). Derek has worked with artists like Eric Clapton (The Road to Escondido, 2006), Herbie Hancock (The Imagine Project, 2010), and many more. He has played at the Crossroads Guitar Festival since 2007 and is still in demand as a guest musician. In 2026, he keeps touring with the Tedeschi Trucks Band, creates new music, and helps mentor young musicians through clinics and interviews. Net Worth As of 2026, Derek Trucks’ net worth is estimated to be between $12 and $18 million. He earns his income from: Touring and recording with The Derek Trucks Band (1994–2010) Allman Brothers Band tenure (1999–2014) Tedeschi Trucks Band revenue (2010–present; album sales, major tours, Grammy wins) Songwriting royalties and publishing Session work and collaborations (Eric Clapton, Herbie Hancock, others) Merchandise, licensing, and Swamp Family Music label Real estate (Jacksonville, Florida property) Derek and Susan Tedeschi live a comfortable and down-to-earth life, focusing on music and family rather than luxury. Wife Derek Trucks married singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi in 2001. Susan, born November 11, 1970, is a Grammy-winning blues musician known for her singing and guitar playing. They met in 1999 when Susan opened for The Derek Trucks Band. Since marrying in 2001, they have worked together and started the Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2010. They are seen as a strong musical team, balancing their family life and creative work. They live in Jacksonville, Florida, and often talk about supporting each other and sharing the same goals. Children Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi have two children: Charles Israel Trucks (son, born March 2002) Sophia Naima Trucks (daughter, born 2004) The family lives a private life in Jacksonville, Florida. Derek and Susan have prioritised raising their children away from the spotlight, though both kids have occasionally appeared in family photos shared by Susan on social media. Derek has spoken about fatherhood as a grounding influence, balancing his demanding touring schedule with family time. Career Highlights Derek Trucks’ career is marked by technical mastery, versatility, and collaboration: Formed The Derek Trucks Band (1994); released debut album (1997) Joined The Allman Brothers Band full-time (1999–2014); played on Hittin’ the Note (2003) and final shows (2014) Formed Tedeschi Trucks Band with Susan Tedeschi (2010); Grammy for Revelator (2011) Collaborations: Eric Clapton (The Road to Escondido, 2006), Herbie Hancock (The Imagine Project, 2010), and many others Appearances: Crossroads Guitar Festival (2007+), multiple Rolling Stone Greatest Guitarists lists Awards: Grammy Lifetime Achievement with Allman Brothers (2012); consistent critical praise for slide guitar innovation As of 2026, Derek still leads the Tedeschi Trucks Band, tours, records music, and inspires a new generation of guitarists. Profile Summary