NBC Anchor Lester Holt Loves His Bass Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Close

NBC s Lester Holt Is All About the Low Notes

Self-taught musician says after the news the bass is his passion

Bryan Derballa and get TV previews, reviews and more I didn’t get an upright bass until I moved back to New York in 2000. Having one had been a fantasy of mine, so I went to a store and kicked the tires on a few, then bought one and dragged it home on the subway. I love all kinds of music — right now I’m in a rock band with some coworkers — but jazz is my favorite style. There’s a freedom of expression in jazz; it’s improvisational. I never play a tune the same way twice. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. I worked weekends for many years before I became a weeknight anchor. As I’ve become more known as an anchorman, I’ve always told myself, Do not let this job define you. Obviously I have a passion for the news and enjoy what I do, but I’m not “Lester Holt, Anchorman.” I’m just me, and I’ve always believed you should have something in your life that you are just as passionate about as you are about your work. For me, it’s the bass. I told my wife that when I retire from this job, one thing I would consider doing is being in a wedding band. If you think about it, most people don’t go out dancing very often. So when do they dance? At wedding receptions! I was at a wedding last summer, and the band was playing all the great songs, and people were up and dancing and having a wonderful time. And I thought, Man, what a cool job that would be — to delight people like that. The only problem, of course, is that it would mean working weekends again. —As told to Jennifer E. Mabry AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS