Buddy Strong

Arthur "Buddy" Strong II (born July 7, 1980) is an American musician. He has worked as a touring keyboardist for artists including Usher and Ariana Grande, and joined Dave Matthews Band in 2018.

Early life and education Buddy Strong was born Arthur Strong II on July 7, 1980 to Kathy and Arthur Strong.

He attended South Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a senior in the school's "magnet music" program. He continued to work with Usher afterwards, including co-producing his 2004 album Confessions and joining the 2014–15 UR Experience Tour. He also joined Ariana Grande for the 2016-17 Dangerous Woman Tour and the 2017 benefit concert One Love Manchester. replacing violinist Boyd Tinsley. His first work with the band was on the song "Black and Blue Bird" from Come Tomorrow (2018). and contributes backing and occasional lead vocals. The band released their first full album with Strong, Walk Around the Moon, in 2023.