Net Worth Ranker
What Is Howard Kaylan’s Net Worth?
Howard Kaylan, an American singer, musician, writer, actor, and producer, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million as of 2025. This wealth is primarily attributed to his extensive career in the music industry, encompassing his roles as a founding member of The Turtles, a member of Flo & Eddie, and his involvement with The Mothers of Invention. Kaylan’s career spans several decades, contributing to his financial success through album sales, touring, and various creative endeavors.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Howard Lawrence Kaplan on June 22, 1947, in The Bronx, New York City, Howard Kaylan’s upbringing significantly influenced his career trajectory. He was raised in a Jewish household, spending his formative years in Utica, New York, and Los Angeles, California. His early education included studying clarinet and choral music, showcasing his musical aptitude from a young age. At 16, Kaylan’s artistic talent was recognized with a Bank of America Fine Arts Award, highlighting his potential in the arts. He was also the valedictorian of his class at Westchester High School, graduating early, and secured a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he briefly attended classes before fully committing to his music career.
In 1965, Kaylan’s career took a pivotal turn when he co-founded The Turtles with Mark Volman, whom he met in the Westchester High a cappella choir. Prior to forming The Turtles, Kaylan and Volman were members of the band the Nightriders, which later evolved into the Crossfires. The Crossfires secured a contract with White Whale Records after releasing the single “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” / “Fiberglass Jungle” in 1963, leading to the band’s transformation into The Turtles. This marked the beginning of Kaylan’s professional music career.
The Turtles’ Success and Beyond
The Turtles’ discography includes several notable albums. Their debut album, “It Ain’t Me Babe,” released in 1965, reached #98 on the “Billboard” 200 chart and #35 on the “Cashbox” chart. The single “It Ain’t Me Babe” / “Almost There” achieved top 10 status on the “Billboard” Hot 100 and “Cashbox” charts, also gaining popularity in Canada. Following “It Ain’t Me Babe,” The Turtles released “You Baby” in 1966. “Happy Together,” released in 1967, proved to be their most commercially successful album, peaking at #25 on the “Billboard” 200 chart and #15 on the “Cashbox” chart. The title track, “Happy Together,” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007, and in 1999, it was ranked #44 on BMI’s list of the “Top 100 Songs of the Century.” The “Happy Together” album also featured the single “She’d Rather Be with Me” / “The Walking Song,” which reached #1 in Canada, #2 on the “Cashbox” chart, #3 on the “Billboard” Hot 100,” and #4 on the UK Singles Chart.
After releasing “The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands” in 1968 and “Turtle Soup” in 1969, The Turtles disbanded in 1970. Subsequently, Kaylan and Volman joined Frank Zappa’s band, The Mothers of Invention, in late 1970. Their tenure with Zappa’s band ended after an incident at a concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre on December 10, 1971, where Zappa was pushed into the orchestra pit. Following this event, Kaylan and Volman formed the band Flo & Eddie and signed with Columbia Records. Flo & Eddie released several albums, including “The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie” (1972), “Flo & Eddie” (1973), “Illegal, Immoral and Fattening” (1975), “Rock Steady With Flo & Eddie” (1981), “The History of Flo & Eddie and the Turtles” (1983), “The Best of Flo & Eddie” (1987), “The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie Captured Live!” (1992), and “New York “Times” (2009). Additionally, they contributed to the 1972 Plastic Ono Band album “Sometime In New York City.” The duo also provided backing vocals on over 100 albums, collaborating with artists such as Alice Cooper, Bruce Springsteen, Steely Dan, David Cassidy, Keith Moon, Blondie, the Ramones, and Duran Duran.
Solo Work and Other Ventures
In the 1990s, Kaylan explored writing, contributing short stories to the anthologies “Forbidden Acts” and “Phantoms of the Night.” He also released a solo album titled “Dust Bunnies” in 2006. In 2010, Kaylan resumed touring with The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie and participated in the “Happy Together Tour” until 2017. His activities in music, touring, writing and acting, as well as producing have all contributed to Howard Kaylan’s Net Worth.
Kaylan’s involvement in film includes writing the 2003 film “My Dinner with Jimi,” which received the Best Screenplay award at the Slamdunk Film Festival. He also served as an associate producer on the 1991 documentary “The Turtles: Happy Together.” As an actor, he has appeared in films such as “200 Motels” (1971), “Get Crazy” (1983), and Stephen King’s “Riding the Bullet” (2004), as well as television series like “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.” (1988) and “Suddenly Susan” (1999).
Recent Years and Personal Life
In 2018, it was announced that Howard Kaylan would not participate in that year’s Happy Together Tour due to medical reasons. Mark Volman mentioned in an interview with “Centerline” that Kaylan’s back issues, which had been ongoing for over a decade, made touring difficult due to the challenges of bus travel and flying. The recommended course of action was surgery, without which Kaylan would not be able to tour again. In a 2013 interview with “The Austin Chronicle,” Kaylan discussed the personal impact of writing his autobiography, noting the strain it placed on him and his family, as many of the stories were previously unknown to them. He also mentioned reconnecting with people he had not spoken to in 40 years as a result of the book.
Further details regarding specific investments, real estate holdings, or personal assets that contribute to Howard Kaylan’s net worth are not publicly available. Information about specific earnings from royalties, endorsements, or other financial ventures is also not accessible in the public domain. Therefore, the $4 million net worth is a comprehensive estimate based on his known career activities and public profile.
Howard Kaylan’s Net Worth: A Summary
In summary, Howard Kaylan’s $4 million net worth is a product of his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. His contributions to music, film, and writing have all played a role in his financial success. From his early days with The Turtles to his solo work and collaborations, Kaylan has established himself as a versatile and enduring figure in American entertainment. While detailed financial records and specific asset information remain private, the available information provides a clear overview of his career achievements and estimated net worth.
