What Is Howard Jones’ Net Worth?
Howard Jones, a prominent English musician, singer, and songwriter, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $16 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career, primarily built on his contributions to synth-pop and new wave music. His versatile skills as a keyboardist, synthesist, drummer, and pianist have significantly contributed to his wealth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born John Howard Jones on February 23, 1955, in Southampton, Hampshire, England, Howard’s early life was marked by a growing passion for music. He began piano lessons at the age of seven, setting the stage for his future career. His formative years were spent in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, South Wales, where he attended Heol Llanishen Fach primary school and later Whitchurch Grammar School. His musical journey involved a brief stint with a progressive rock band called Warrior. While specific financial details of his early musical endeavors remain private, the experiences undoubtedly laid the foundation for his professional career.
Jones enrolled at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music in the mid-1970s, but decided 2 1/2 years into a three-year course that he no longer wanted to become a classical pianist.
Music Career and Album Success
Howard Jones’s professional music career took off in 1983 when he signed with Warner Music Group after showcasing his talent at London’s Marquee Club. His debut album, “Human’s Lib,” released in 1984, was a commercial triumph, reaching #1 on the UK Albums Chart and achieving 2x Platinum certification in the U.K. and Gold in Canada. This early success significantly boosted his earnings, although precise sales figures and royalties from this period are not publicly available. Several singles from the album, including “New Song,” “What Is Love?,” and “Pearl in the Shell,” reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart, further contributing to his income.
The momentum continued with his second album, “Dream into Action,” released in 1985. It reached #1 in Sweden and #2 in the U.K., achieving Platinum status in the U.S. and Canada. The singles “Like to Get to Know You Well” and “Things Can Only Get Better” were top 10 hits in the U.K. and Sweden, both earning Silver certifications in the U.K. His participation in Live Aid in July 1985, alongside other music icons, heightened his visibility, indirectly contributing to his long-term financial success by expanding his fanbase and solidifying his position in the music industry.
In 1987, Jones earned an American Music Award nomination for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Video Artist, further cementing his reputation and influence. Subsequent albums, including “Cross That Line” (1989), “In the Running” (1992), “Working in the Backroom” (1994), “Angels & Lovers” (1997), and “People” (1998), continued to generate revenue through sales, licensing, and royalties, although none reached the commercial heights of his earlier work. “Everlasting Love” from “Cross That Line” reached #1 on the “Billboard” Adult Contemporary chart and #3 on Canada’s “RPM” chart, and “Lift Me Up” from “In the Running” peaked at #6 on the Canadian Singles Chart.
Jones has continued to release albums, including “Piano Solos (for Friends and Loved Ones)” (2003), “Revolution of the Heart” (2005), “Ordinary Heroes” (2009), “Engage” (2015), “Transform” (2019), and “Dialogue” (2022). While these more recent albums contribute to his income, the precise financial impact is not publicly detailed. In 2005, Jones was featured on the Mohito song “Slip Away,” and it reached #23 on the UK Dance Singles Chart.
Touring, Collaborations, and Other Ventures
Touring has been a significant source of income for Howard Jones throughout his career. While detailed financial figures from specific tours are not available, live performances and concerts contribute substantially to his overall earnings. In 2001, Jones joined the Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band tour as a keyboardist, which provided both income and exposure. Jones is a member of the Featured Artists Coalition board of directors; the organization represents “the specific rights and interests of music artists” and “advocates, educates, collaborates and researches on behalf of artists.”
His involvement as the musical director of Soka Gakkai International’s Glorious Life Chorus, which has performed some of his songs, such as “Respected” and “Building Our Own Future,” further demonstrates his diverse musical activities, although the direct financial impact of this role is not publicly documented.
Although information regarding specific endorsement deals, real estate holdings, or significant investment portfolios is not publicly available, it is plausible that Jones has diversified his assets and income streams beyond music-related activities. However, without concrete details, it’s difficult to assess the specific financial impact of these ventures on his overall net worth. Howard Jones net worth is significantly influenced by his music career.
Key Milestones and Recognition
Several key milestones have marked Howard Jones’s career. The chart-topping success of “Human’s Lib” in 1984 and “Dream into Action” in 1985 were pivotal moments, establishing him as a leading figure in synth-pop. His performance at Live Aid in 1985 and his American Music Award nomination in 1987 further enhanced his profile and contributed to his long-term earning potential. The commercial success of singles like “No One Is to Blame,” which reached #4 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart in the U.S., also significantly boosted his income during that period.
The release of “Human’s Lib,” certified 2x Platinum in the U.K., represents a milestone in his career. While subsequent albums did not reach the same commercial heights, they contributed to his continued success and long-term financial stability. These milestones reflect his ability to maintain relevance in the music industry over several decades.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Howard Jones’s personal life also plays a role in his overall well-being. He has been married to Jan Smith, and they have three children: Mica, Osheen, and Jasper. In the late ’80s, Jones joined Soka Gakkai International, a worldwide Buddhist association. His commitment to Nichiren Buddhism, practicing daily chanting, has had a “profoundly positive effect on [his] life.” He followed a vegetarian diet for more than four decades, and in 2019, he became a vegan. While lifestyle choices don’t directly equate to net worth, they can influence one’s ability to manage resources and maintain a balanced life, which indirectly contributes to overall financial stability.
Additional financial details, such as precise yearly earnings, property assets, specific investments, or details of his personal expenses, are not publicly available. Howard Jones has made his net worth from his career as a musician.