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What Is Al Jarreau Net Worth’ Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 2017, renowned R&B and jazz singer-songwriter Al Jarreau had accumulated a net worth of $4 million. This financial standing was primarily built through decades of success in the music industry, encompassing album sales, live performances, songwriting, and other related ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Alwin Jarreau was born on March 12, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up as one of six children in a family where music was a central element. His mother, Pearl, was a church pianist, and his father, Emile, was a minister and singer. The family frequently performed together at church concerts and various benefit events. During his adolescence, Al attended Lincoln High School, where he showcased his leadership skills as the president of the student council. He pursued higher education at Ripon College, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1962. Continuing his academic pursuits, he obtained a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa in 1964.
While studying at Ripon College, Jarreau honed his vocal skills as a member of a group called the Indigos. After completing his master’s degree at the University of Iowa, he relocated to California and began working as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco. Concurrently, he continued to pursue his passion for music by performing with a jazz trio led by George Duke. He later formed a duo with guitarist Julio Martinez, expanding his musical endeavors. By 1969, Jarreau and Martinez ventured to Southern California, where they performed at various prominent nightclubs, further establishing Jarreau’s presence in the music scene. As his career progressed, Jarreau expanded his nightclub performances across the country, concurrently developing his songwriting talents.
Al Jarreau’s Album Success and Grammy Awards
In 1975, Al Jarreau’s career took a significant turn when he collaborated with pianist Tom Canning, attracting the attention of Warner Bros. Records. This led to the release of his debut album, “We Got By,” which propelled him to international recognition. His second album, “Glow,” followed in 1976, further solidifying his standing in the music industry. The year 1977 saw the release of the live album “Look to the Rainbow,” which earned him the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, marking a significant milestone in his career. Continuing his streak of success, Jarreau won the same Grammy category the following year for his album “All Fly Home.”
The 1980 album “This Time” achieved notable success, reaching number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart and topping the Jazz charts. However, it was his fifth studio album, “Breakin’ Away,” released in 1981, that brought him his greatest commercial triumph. The album peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for an impressive two years. “Breakin’ Away” spawned the hit single “We’re in This Love Together,” which further boosted its popularity. In addition to being nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys, “Breakin’ Away” won two Grammy Awards: for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male and Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male.
Following the immense success of “Breakin’ Away,” Jarreau released his self-titled sixth studio album in 1983. This album was another hit, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard 200 and receiving four Grammy Award nominations. He continued his musical journey with the album “High Crime” in 1984, which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. His subsequent studio albums included “L is for Lover” in 1986 and “Heart’s Horizon” in 1988. During the 1990s, Jarreau focused primarily on live performances, resulting in limited recording activity. His only album release during this decade was “Heaven and Earth” in 1992, which won him the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.
Al Jarreau returned to recording in the 2000s with his album “Tomorrow Today,” released in 2000. He followed this with “All I Got” in 2002 and “Accentuate the Positive” in 2004; the latter earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. In 2006, Jarreau released the collaborative album “Givin’ it Up” with George Benson. This album won the Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, adding another accolade to Jarreau’s illustrious career. His extensive discography and numerous awards contributed significantly to his net worth.
Other Musical Contributions
Beyond his studio albums, Al Jarreau made several other notable musical contributions. He lent his vocals to the 1980 children’s music album “In Harmony: A Sesame Street Record.” In 1985, he was a featured vocalist on the iconic charity single “We Are the World,” which brought together numerous prominent artists to raise funds for humanitarian causes. Additionally, Jarreau co-wrote and sang the theme song to the ABC television series “Moonlighting,” which aired from 1985 to 1989. The song was a commercial success and earned Jarreau two Grammy nominations, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal.
In the 1990s, Al Jarreau dedicated a significant portion of his time to touring, performing alongside renowned artists such as Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Joe Sample, and Kathleen Battle. He also ventured into theater, playing the role of Teen Angel in the Broadway revival of the musical “Grease,” further demonstrating his artistic range. In the early 2000s, he collaborated with conductor Larry Baird on symphony shows across the United States, showcasing his music in a classical setting and expanding his audience reach. These diverse activities not only enriched his career but also contributed to his overall financial success, factoring into his impressive net worth.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Al Jarreau was married twice. His first marriage was to Phyllis Hall, which lasted from 1964 until their divorce in 1968. In 1977, he married Susan Player, and together they had a son named Ryan. In the summer of 2010, Jarreau experienced a critical health issue after a performance in France. He later contracted pneumonia a couple of years later. On February 12, 2017, just two days after announcing his retirement, Al Jarreau passed away from respiratory failure, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence.
In 2002, Al Jarreau invested in real estate by purchasing a home in Tarzana, California, for $761,000. Several months after his death, Al’s estate sold the property for $1.065 million, indicating a profitable return on the initial investment. While specific details regarding other investments or assets are not publicly available, his real estate holdings provide insight into his financial planning and management of his net worth. The real estate transaction, along with his musical achievements, underscores the components that contributed to his financial standing at the time of his death.
