Net Worth Ranker
What Is Greg Phillinganes’ Net Worth?
Greg Phillinganes, an accomplished American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and musical director, has amassed a considerable fortune throughout his career. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $10 million. This figure primarily reflects his extensive work as a session musician, touring performer, and musical director for high-profile artists.
Sources of Greg Phillinganes’ $10 Million Net Worth
Phillinganes’ $10 million net worth stems from a variety of income streams accumulated over his decades-long career:
Session Musician and Touring Revenue
A significant portion of Greg Phillinganes’ wealth originates from his work as a highly sought-after session musician. He has contributed his keyboard skills to numerous albums across various genres, earning fees for each recording session. While specific session fees are not publicly available, session musicians of his caliber typically command rates ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars per track, depending on the artist’s budget and the complexity of the arrangement.
Phillinganes’ tours with renowned artists such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, and Toto have also been substantial contributors to his net worth. Touring musicians generally receive a salary, per diem for expenses, and potentially a percentage of the tour’s overall revenue. For major tours with established artists, a keyboardist of Phillinganes’ stature could earn tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per tour, depending on the length, number of shows, and the specific financial arrangements.
Musical Directorship Earnings
Serving as a musical director, particularly for an iconic figure like Michael Jackson and the Grammy Awards, has undoubtedly boosted Greg Phillinganes’ income. Musical directors are responsible for overseeing all musical aspects of a performance or tour, including selecting musicians, arranging music, and ensuring the quality of the overall sound. The compensation for musical directors varies widely depending on the project’s scale and the artist’s budget. However, for high-profile events like the Grammy Awards or world tours with superstars, the fees can be substantial, potentially reaching six or even seven figures.
Royalties and Publishing Revenue
Although the details are not publicly available, Greg Phillinganes has likely earned royalties from his contributions to Michael Jackson’s albums, including “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous,” “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I,” “Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix,” “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” “Michael,” “Immortal,” and “Bad 25.” As a musician who contributed to these albums, he would be entitled to a share of the royalties generated from record sales, streaming, and other uses of the music. Additionally, as a songwriter, he would receive publishing royalties for any songs he co-wrote or arranged. These royalty streams can provide a consistent source of income over many years.
Solo Albums
While Greg Phillinganes released two solo albums, “Pulse” in 1984 and “Significant Gains” in 1989, it’s important to note that the commercial success of these albums would be a factor influencing his net worth. While precise sales numbers are difficult to ascertain, sales and streaming revenues would contribute to his overall income.
Early Career and Key Milestones
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in May 1956, Greg Phillinganes’ musical journey began early. While specific details about his early education and upbringing are limited, his talent and dedication to music led him to become a sought-after session musician and touring keyboardist. His pivotal role as Michael Jackson’s musical director marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his leadership and musical expertise on a global stage.
Allegations Regarding “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”
In a 2018 interview, producer Quincy Jones alleged that Michael Jackson denied Greg Phillinganes a rightful portion of the profits from the song “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” Jones claimed that Phillinganes was entitled to 10% of the song’s royalties for writing the “C section,” but Jackson refused due to “greed.” While these allegations are serious, the specific financial impact on Phillinganes’ net worth is difficult to quantify without access to the relevant contracts and royalty statements.
Real Estate Holdings, Investments, and Assets
Information about Greg Phillinganes’ specific real estate holdings, investments, and assets is not publicly available. High-net-worth individuals often invest in a diverse range of assets, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and private businesses. Without specific details, it is impossible to determine the extent to which these investments contribute to his $10 million net worth.
