Net Worth Ranker
What Is Brenda K. Starr Net Worth?
As of 2024, Brenda K. Starr’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, and DJ, spanning various genres, including R&B, dance, pop, and salsa music.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Brenda Joy Kaplan, known professionally as Brenda K. Starr, was born on October 14, 1966, in New York City. Her father, Harvey Kaplan, was a Jewish-American organist also known as Harvey Kaye, who played in the 1960s band The Spiral Starecase. Her mother was Puerto Rican and Catholic, exposing Brenda to a diverse range of musical influences from an early age. Starr’s career began in the early 1980s with a role in Harry Belafonte’s 1984 hip-hop film, “Beat Street”, where she appeared as herself, singing at an open-microphone audition. This appearance led to a recording contract with Mirage Records.
Rise to Fame and Musical Achievements
In 1985, Brenda K. Starr released her debut album, “I Want Your Love,” produced by Arthur Baker. The lead single, “Pickin’ Up Pieces,” became a club sensation, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts and the Dance Singles Sales Chart. It also reached No. 83 on the R&B Hip Hop Billboard Charts. Her self-titled second album, released in 1987 on MCA Records, featured her signature song, the power ballad “I Still Believe,” which peaked at No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. This was her first and only top 20 single on the Hot 100. The album itself peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Another single from the album, “What You See Is What You Get,” reached No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.
In 1998, Mariah Carey, who had previously been a backup singer for Starr, covered “I Still Believe” as a tribute. Carey’s version peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA, further solidifying the song’s legacy. Starr’s transition to Spanish-language music in the late 1990s marked a significant shift in her career. She released a cover of “Herida” by Myriam Hernández, which reached No. 14 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart and No. 1 on the Latin Tropical/Salsa Airplay chart. This success led to several popular albums and chart hits in the Latin music scene.
Earnings from Music and Other Ventures
After being dropped from Sony/Columbia Records following the release of her third album, “By Heart,” Starr took on various jobs to support her family. Her reinvention as a salsa and Latin pop artist rejuvenated her career. Starr also worked as a disc jockey at MIX 102.7, WNEW-FM in New York, hosting a request program called “Under the Stars” on Sunday nights. The lead single from her seventh album, “Atrevete a Olvidarme,” titled “Tu Eres,” earned her a nomination at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2006.
Awards and Nominations
Brenda K. Starr has received several awards and nominations throughout her career, including:
- 1997: Lo Nuestro Awards: Nominated for Tropical/Salsa Female Artist of the Year.
- 2002: Latin Grammy Awards: Nominated for Best Salsa Album for “Temptation.”
- 2002: Latin Grammy Awards: Nominated for Best Salsa Single for “Por Ese Hombre.”
- 2006: Billboard Latin Music Awards: Nominated for Best Salsa Single for “Tu Eres.”
Personal Life and Family
Brenda K. Starr is married to Chris Petrone and has four children: Kayla Festa, Tori Festa (from a previous relationship with Joao (John) Festa), Chris Petrone Jr., and Gianna Isabella. Gianna Isabella gained recognition as a finalist on American Idol’s 15th season in 2016, reaching the top 10. Starr’s support has been crucial in her daughter’s musical endeavors.
Legacy
Brenda K. Starr’s career spans several decades and genres, making her a notable figure in both English and Spanish music markets. Her versatility, resilience, and contributions to the music industry have solidified her legacy as a respected artist. She continues to explore new musical projects, aiming to inspire fans and new audiences alike.
