Net Worth Ranker
What Is Herb Alpert’s Net Worth?
Herb Alpert, the celebrated American musician and music industry executive, has amassed a considerable fortune throughout his illustrious career. His estimated net worth stands at $850 million, primarily stemming from his musical endeavors, record label ventures, and music publishing successes. As a trumpeter, he is best known for leading Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass in the 1960s, a band that achieved phenomenal commercial success. Further augmenting his wealth was his co-founding of A&M Records and Rondor Music, both pivotal players in the music industry.
Early Career and Musical Achievements
Born on March 31, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Herb Alpert’s journey began in Boyle Heights, Eastside Los Angeles. His musical education commenced at the age of eight with trumpet lessons. Alpert attended Fairfax High School, graduating in 1952, after which he served in the Army. His initial foray into the music industry involved songwriting for Keen Records, starting in 1957. During this period, he built a small recording studio in his garage, collaborating with Rob Weerts to co-write several top twenty hits, including “(What A) Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke. In 1960, he began his recording career as a vocalist at Dot Records under the name of Dore Alpert, with “Tell It to the Birds” being the first release on Carnival Records.
The establishment of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass marked a turning point in Alpert’s career. Inspired by a brass band performance at a bullfight in Tijuana, Mexico, he developed his signature sound by overdubbing his trumpet on two different tape machines. The band’s debut album, “The Lonely Bull,” released after Alpert personally funded the first single of the same name, reached #6 on the Billboard Pop charts. By 1966, the Tijuana Brass had outsold The Beatles, with album sales exceeding 13 million copies. That same year, Alpert achieved a Guinness World Record by simultaneously placing five albums in the Top 20 on the Billboard Pop Album chart. Albums released annually throughout the 1960s further cemented the band’s popularity. Alpert’s sole #1 single during this period was “This Guy’s in Love with You,” written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, which he sang to his first wife in a 1968 CBS Television special.
While specific details regarding his income from album sales, concerts, and royalties during the peak of his music career are not publicly available, the success of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass generated substantial revenue through record sales, touring, and licensing of their music for various media.
Herb Alpert’s musical journey includes 28 albums, and five #1 hits, 14 Platinum certifications, and 15 Gold certifications, and eight Grammy Awards. To date, his album sales exceed 75 million copies worldwide.
A&M Records: Building a Music Empire
In 1962, Herb Alpert partnered with Jerry Moss to establish A&M Records. Over the next 25 years, A&M evolved into the largest independent record company globally, playing a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous music superstars, including Janet Jackson, Sheryl Crow, The Police, and The Carpenters. The label’s success was attributed to its artist-friendly practices and its ability to identify and nurture talent. In 1989, Alpert and Moss sold A&M Records to PolyGram Records for $500 million in cash, while retaining management responsibilities for the combined label for an additional five years. In 1998, they sued PolyGram and won an additional $200 million payout.
While the precise breakdown of A&M Records’ revenue during Alpert and Moss’s ownership is not publicly accessible, the label generated substantial income through record sales, licensing, and publishing rights. The sale to PolyGram for $500 million in cash provides a clear indication of the company’s immense financial value at the time.
The Carpenters, signed to A&M, became a best-selling music act. Sting, following the Police breakup, launched a solo career under A&M. Peter Frampton’s “Frampton Comes Alive!” was released on this label, also the album of The Police that rose to global fame was released under A&M. Singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, Sheryl Crow, and even Herb Alpert found success under A&M.
Rondor Music and Subsequent Ventures
Rondor Music International, co-founded by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, was a music publishing company known for its extensive catalog of songs and artist-friendly approach. In 2000, Rondor Music was sold to Universal Music Group for approximately $400 million worth of Seagram stock. Seagram’s acquisition of 80% of MCA Inc. in 1995, which included Universal Pictures and its music division, Universal Music Group, marked its entry into the media and entertainment industry.
Although specific financial details regarding Rondor Music’s revenue and profitability under Alpert and Moss’s ownership are not publicly available, the $400 million sale price to Universal Music Group reflects the company’s significant value and the extensive catalog of songs it controlled.
Philanthropic Endeavors and Personal Life
Herb Alpert established The Herb Alpert Foundation, which supports youth and arts education, environmental issues, and PBS programs. In 2012, the Foundation donated over $5 million to the Harlem School of the Arts, enabling the school to retire its debt and create a scholarship program for students in need. In 2013, the school’s building was renamed the Herb Alpert Center. In 2016, his foundation donated $10.1 million to Los Angeles City College, providing tuition-free education for all music majors. In 2020, Alpert donated another $9.7 million to the Harlem School of the Arts to upgrade its facility.
While the exact amount of Alpert’s annual charitable contributions is not publicly disclosed, the significant donations to various organizations demonstrate his commitment to philanthropy and supporting the arts.
Alpert was married to Sharon Mae Lubin from 1956 to 1971, and they had two children together. Alpert married recording artist Lani Hall in December 1973. They have one daughter.
There is no information regarding Herb Alpert’s real estate assets, personal aircraft, or luxury vehicles are available in the provided text or through standard public sources.
