Al Jarreau was more than just a celebrated jazz and R&B singer; his journey toward building his wealth tells a fascinating story. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Al Jarreau net worth reflects his impressive achievements.
From his Grammy Award-winning albums to collaborations with some of the most iconic musicians, his career earnings grew steadily. At SingerFortune, we analyze the different streams of income that contributed to his fortune, exploring his career highlights and key financial decisions.
Quick Facts
| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Alwin Lopez Jarreau |
| Popular Name | Al Jarreau |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | March 12, 1940 |
| Age at Death | 76 years old ( Died on February 12, 2017) |
| Parents | Emile Jarreau, Pearl Walker |
| Siblings | 5 siblings |
| Birthplace | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Ripon College, University of Iowa |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Susan Player (m. 1977–2017), Phyllis Hall (m. 1964–1968) |
| Children | Ryan Jarreau |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Source of Wealth | Music, Tours, Real Estate |
| Height | 5′ 11″ (1.8 m) |
What is the Net Worth of Al Jarreau in 2024?
Al Jarreau’s net worth at the time of his passing in 2017 was estimated to be $4 million. This figure reflects his diverse income streams, from music royalties to live performances and real estate investments.
Compared to others in the music industry, his net worth was significant but modest compared to some of his contemporaries. Below are some individuals and brands connected to Jarreau through collaborations, performances, or related industries:
- George Benson
- Warner Bros. Records
- Miles Davis
- Quincy Jones
- David Sanborn
- Chick Corea
- Kathleen Battle
- Johnny Carson
- Joe Sample
- We Are the World
If you’re interested in how musicians compare to those in other genres, check out the richest R&B singers in the world.
Salary and Finance Overview
How Did He Accumulate His Wealth Over His Career?
Al Jarreau’s wealth grew steadily over the years through a combination of music sales, touring, and collaborative efforts. His breakthrough came in the 1970s with albums like We Got By and Glow, which received international acclaim.
The real financial boost came in 1981 with Breakin’ Away, an album that stayed on the Billboard 200 for two years. The success of this album increased his demand for live performances, which brought in significant revenue through world tours. By performing at iconic venues and major jazz festivals, Jarreau expanded his fanbase globally.
The collaboration with George Benson on the Grammy-winning album Givin’ It Up further solidified his place in the music industry, providing another steady stream of income from album sales and performances. Additionally, he consistently performed in symphony shows, providing another financial boost from the unique combination of jazz and classical music.
What Awards and Achievements Boosted His Financial Status?
Al Jarreau was a seven-time Grammy Award winner, a feat that significantly raised his profile and marketability. His Grammy wins spanned three genres: jazz, pop, and R&B, which made him one of the most versatile artists in the industry. The critical and commercial success of albums like Breakin’ Away and This Time played a major role in building his wealth, as each Grammy win brought him more opportunities for lucrative projects and collaborations.
His Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Breakin’ Away not only gave him credibility but also boosted album sales, increasing his royalty earnings. Beyond Grammy Awards, his music earned numerous nominations and other international accolades, including two German Grammys early in his career. These achievements contributed significantly to his earnings.
How Did His Work on Television and Film Impact His Finances?
Al Jarreau’s voice wasn’t just confined to albums; his work in television further amplified his reach and financial gains. His performance of the theme song for the popular 1980s TV show Moonlighting brought him not only fame but also a new revenue stream. This work, alongside his involvement in We Are the World, gave him mainstream visibility, which translated to more lucrative opportunities in both music and entertainment.
Additionally, Jarreau contributed to soundtracks for movies and other television appearances, which increased his royalty earnings. His work on the Moonlighting theme also earned him two Grammy nominations, further elevating his standing in the music industry.
How Did His Live Performances and Tours Contribute to His Financial Success?
Jarreau’s success as a live performer was a significant source of his wealth. He performed globally, often headlining major jazz festivals such as the Molde International Jazz Festival and the Playboy Jazz Festival.
His dynamic and engaging performances ensured that his tours were highly successful, generating substantial revenue. One of the standout moments in his career was his sold-out performance at London’s Wembley Arena, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class live performer.
In addition to regular concerts, Jarreau also performed with symphony orchestras, blending jazz with classical music. This unique approach attracted a diverse audience, ensuring that his performances were not just limited to jazz festivals but also enjoyed by classical music enthusiasts.
What Role Did Collaborations Play in His Financial Success?
Throughout his career, Al Jarreau collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, which helped expand his fan base and increase his earnings. Collaborations with musicians like George Benson and Miles Davis brought Jarreau into the spotlight of different audiences. These partnerships were not only artistically successful but also contributed to his financial growth by increasing album sales and live performance revenues.
Collaborative albums like Givin’ It Up with George Benson received critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. Working with such prominent figures added to his credibility and demand in the industry, leading to more profitable opportunities.
Did He Have Additional Sources of Income Beyond Music?
Aside from his music career, Jarreau also made strategic investments in real estate. He purchased a property in Tarzana, California, for $761,000, which was later sold for $1.065 million after his passing, contributing to his financial portfolio. Additionally, Jarreau’s involvement in commercials, such as a national McDonald’s campaign, provided him with supplementary income outside of the music industry.
Moreover, Jarreau’s Broadway performance in Grease and various guest appearances on television shows like Touched By An Angel also added to his income. These non-music ventures were instrumental in diversifying his income streams.
How Did His Legacy Continue to Generate Income After His Death?
After his passing, Al Jarreau’s music continued to generate income through album sales and royalties, particularly on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Posthumous earnings are common for influential musicians, and Jarreau’s extensive catalog of music ensures a steady stream of royalties for his estate. His timeless hits like “We’re In This Love Together” continue to be streamed and enjoyed by new generations, keeping his financial legacy alive.
FAQs About Al Jarreau
How many Grammy Awards did he win?
Jarreau won seven Grammy Awards during his career.
Did he have any children?
Yes, he had one son named Ryan Jarreau.
What were his major albums?
Some of his major albums include Breakin’ Away, We Got By, and Glow.
Who did he collaborate with in his career?
He collaborated with artists like George Benson, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea.
What was his involvement with Moonlighting?
He sang and co-wrote the theme song for the 1980s TV show Moonlighting.
Where did he attend college?
Jarreau attended Ripon College for his undergraduate degree and the University of Iowa for his master’s degree.
Did he win any international awards?
Yes, he won two German Grammys for his albums We Got By and Glow.
What was his first major hit?
His first major hit was “We’re in This Love Together” from the album Breakin’ Away.
Conclusion
Al Jarreau’s financial legacy is one that continues to inspire, driven by his remarkable career in music and beyond. For more insights into the lives and finances of iconic singers, visit singerfortune.com and explore more. Leave your comments or share this article with fellow fans!
