Overview

David William Logan Johnstone (born May 6, 1951) is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, known for his long-time collaboration with Elton John as a member of the Elton John Band. His career spans over five decades. He is also proficient in playing instruments like the mandolin, sitar, dulcimer, and banjo. Johnstone’s musical journey began at a young age, initially learning the violin before transitioning to the guitar. He started as a session musician and later joined the British folk group Magna Carta. His collaboration with producer Gus Dudgeon led to his introduction to Elton John, and he joined John’s band in 1971 after playing on the ‘Madman Across the Water’ album. He has been Elton John’s guitarist for 50 years. He has also played with Alice Cooper, John Lennon, Stevie Nicks, Lenny Kravitz and countless others. He has performed in over 3,000 shows with Elton John.

Elton John Band

Musical Director

What Is Davey Johnstone Net Worth’ Net Worth

Davey Johnstone, a Scottish guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, has accumulated a considerable net worth over his extensive career. While precise figures for each income stream are not publicly detailed, his estimated net worth stands at approximately $20 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his long-standing association with Elton John, his work as a session musician, and his ventures as a solo artist.

Early Career and Musical Beginnings

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in May 1951, Davey Johnstone began his musical journey early in life. Specific details about his schooling and early residences are not widely available in public records. His initial foray into the music industry involved working with Noel Murphy in 1968, marking the start of his career as a regular session musician. In 1970, Johnstone joined Magna Carta, contributing to their album “Songs from Wasties Orchard” in 1971. This period laid the groundwork for his future success, honing his skills across various instruments, including the guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, sitar, and banjo.

Association with Elton John: A Cornerstone of His Net Worth

Davey Johnstone’s most significant career milestone came in 1971 when he played on Elton John’s album “Madman Across the Water.” Soon after, he was invited to join Elton John’s band, a partnership that has lasted for decades. From 1971 to 1977, and again from 1982 onwards, Johnstone has been an integral part of the band, even serving as its musical director. While the specifics of his contracts and earnings from this collaboration are not public, it is reasonable to assume that his long tenure and pivotal role in the band have significantly contributed to his $20 million net worth. Touring with Elton John, especially during peak periods, could have yielded substantial income, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars annually, depending on the specific terms of his agreements.

The exact financial details of Johnstone’s contracts with Elton John and the band are not publicly accessible, but it is reasonable to infer that he receives a substantial share of the band’s revenue. Given Elton John’s consistent presence in the music industry, it is likely that Johnstone has a share of touring revenue. In the music industry, key band members can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000+ per show, not including royalties and other revenue streams.

Davey Johnstone’s role as the musical director adds another layer to his earnings. Musical directors are often paid a premium for their additional responsibilities. These responsibilities can include, coordinating musical arrangements, overseeing rehearsals, and ensuring the quality of live performances. In comparable roles, the compensation can range from a few thousand dollars per performance to a significant percentage of the tour’s gross revenue.

Session Work and Collaborations

Beyond his work with Elton John, Davey Johnstone has an impressive resume as a session musician, collaborating with a diverse array of artists. This includes contributions to albums and performances by Alice Cooper, John Jorgenson, Meat Loaf, Stevie Nicks, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Leo Sayer, and The Pointer Sisters. Session musicians typically earn fees based on the amount of time they spend in the studio or on stage. These fees can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a short session to several thousand dollars for more extensive work. Johnstone’s extensive list of collaborations suggests that he has generated a significant income from this work, although the exact figures are not publicly available.

Solo Album and Other Ventures

In 1973, Davey Johnstone released his solo album, “Smiling Face.” The album’s commercial performance and revenue figures are not widely documented, but it likely contributed modestly to his overall net worth through royalties and sales. In addition to his album, Johnstone’s involvement in songwriting and music production has also likely generated income through royalties and licensing fees. The specifics of these earnings would depend on the success and usage of his compositions.

Net Worth’ Net Worth Milestones

While specific net worth milestones for Davey Johnstone are not publicly available, it is plausible to assume that key events in his career have significantly impacted his financial standing. Joining Elton John’s band in 1971 and maintaining a long-term association would have been a pivotal moment, likely leading to a steady increase in his earnings. Similarly, periods of high-profile touring and album releases with Elton John would have corresponded with significant income boosts. Without detailed financial records, it is challenging to pinpoint precise figures for these milestones, but they undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping his financial trajectory.

Personal Life and Habits

Details about Davey Johnstone’s personal life, daily routines, and specific lifestyle choices are not extensively documented in public sources. Information about his residences, vehicles, and other assets is not readily available. As such, it is difficult to provide specific insights into how he manages his wealth or the extent of his personal investments. However, it is common for musicians with a similar net worth to invest in real estate, stocks, and other financial instruments to secure their financial future.

Given his longstanding success and estimated $20 million net worth, it is likely that Davey Johnstone has made wise investments and financial decisions throughout his career. These decisions, combined with his consistent income streams from music and touring, have contributed to his substantial wealth. While specific details about his personal finances remain private, his career trajectory suggests a well-managed and prosperous financial life.

In conclusion, Davey Johnstone’s $20 million net worth is a testament to his talent, dedication, and enduring presence in the music industry. While specific figures for each income stream are not publicly available, his long-standing association with Elton John, his work as a session musician, and his ventures as a solo artist have all contributed to his considerable wealth.

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