A cause of death was not immediately known. The announcement came just hours after Weir posted that Wasserman had been hospitalized, asking for strength and support.
Wasserman studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, soon finding himself working alongside composer John Adams. Upon the release of his debut album Solo in 1982, produced by friend David Grisman, Wasserman quickly became a go-to bassist for musicians all over the Bay Area and beyond. The following albums Duets and Trios featured Wasserman alongside Lou Reed, Stéphane Grappelli, Jerry Garcia, Brian Wilson, Willie Dixon, Aaron Neville and others.