Dave Koz at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Rock Stars
- Net Worth: $6 Million
- Birthdate: Mar 27, 1963 (61 years old)
- Birthplace: Encino
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Radio personality, Musician, Saxophonist
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.7 m)
## Dave Koz: A Comprehensive Look at His Net Worth, Career, and Life
What is Dave Koz’s Net Worth?
Dave Koz, a celebrated saxophonist, composer, record producer, and radio and television personality, has amassed a net worth of $6 million. His successful career, spanning over three decades, includes numerous critically acclaimed albums, Grammy Award nominations, and a significant presence in the world of smooth jazz and entertainment.
Early Life and Education
David Koz, known professionally as Dave Koz, was born on March 27, 1963, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. His parents, Audrey and Norman, were Jewish. He grew up with a brother, Jeff, and a sister, Roberta. Koz’s educational journey began at William Howard Taft High School, after which he pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He graduated in 1986 with a degree in mass communications, laying the groundwork for his future career in media and entertainment.
Career Beginnings
Koz’s professional music career began shortly after his graduation from UCLA. He quickly established himself as a talented musician, securing a spot on Bobby Caldwell’s tour. Simultaneously, he gained experience as a session musician for various rock bands. He also toured with Richard Marx’s band. Initially rooted in rock music, Koz transitioned to the smooth jazz genre by the late 1980s. In 1989, he played in the house band for the short-lived late-night talk show “The Pat Sajak Show,” providing him with valuable early exposure.

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Albums and Musical Achievements
Dave Koz’s music career took off with the release of his self-titled debut album in 1990 under Capitol Records. His second album, “Lucky Man,” released in 1993, became a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. A track from this album, “Faces of the Heart,” was used as the theme song for the television soap opera “General Hospital” from 1993 to 2004, significantly increasing his reach and recognition. His discography expanded to include “Off the Beaten Path” (1996), “December Makes Me Feel This Way” (1997), and “The Dance” (1999). “A Smooth Jazz Christmas” (2001) marked his first Grammy Award nomination, in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category. Subsequent albums such as “Saxophonic” (2003), “At the Movies” (2007) further solidified his place in the industry. Koz received additional Grammy nominations for “Saxophonic” and “At the Movies,” and his cover of “Over the Rainbow” from the latter earned a nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
Koz’s 2010 album, “Hello Tomorrow,” was another major success, reaching number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and earning him another Grammy nomination. He continued to collaborate with other artists, releasing “Summer Horns” in 2013 with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, and Richard Elliot, which earned his sixth Grammy nomination. Later collaborative projects included “The 25th of December” (2014), “20th Anniversary Christmas” (2017), and “Summer Horns II From A to Z” (2018). His later albums include “Gifts of the Season” (2019), “A New Day” (2020), and “A Romantic Night In (The Love Songs Albums)” (2021). In 2021, Koz also released the album “The Golden Hour” with Cory Wong, showcasing his versatility and continued relevance in the music world.

(Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
Radio and Television Ventures
In addition to his music career, Dave Koz has made a significant mark in radio and television. In 1994, he began hosting his own nationally syndicated radio show, “The Dave Koz Radio Show,” which featured music and interviews with various jazz artists. He later co-hosted “The Dave Koz Morning Show” on 94.7 The Wave in Los Angeles. Koz also hosts a weekly show on Sirius XM Radio’s Watercolors channel called “The Dave Koz Lounge.”
On television, Koz hosted a weekly half-hour series called “Frequency,” where he interviewed prominent musicians such as Kelly Sweet and Earth, Wind & Fire. He also served as the bandleader on “The Emeril Lagasse Show.” Koz has also made guest appearances on popular television shows like “Desperate Housewives” and “The Eric Andre Show,” further expanding his reach and visibility.
Rendezvous Music: A Record Label Venture
In 2002, Koz co-founded Rendezvous Entertainment (later Rendezvous Music) with Frank Cody and Hyman Katz, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. The label featured a roster of talented jazz musicians, including Jonathan Butler, Kyle Eastwood, Marc Antoine, Praful, and Wayman Tisdale. Rendezvous was acquired by Mack Avenue Records in 2008, which was a significant milestone in Koz’s career.
Other Ventures
Beyond music, Koz has explored other business ventures. In late 2014, he partnered with Cary Hardwick and Laurie Sisneros to open a restaurant and live music venue in Beverly Hills, California, which reflects his passion for the culinary arts and providing entertainment.
Personal Life
Dave Koz publicly came out as gay in a 2004 interview with The Advocate magazine, embracing his identity and becoming a role model for the LGBTQ+ community. He resides in Sausalito, California, where he purchased a home in 2013 for $1.428 million; the current estimated value of his Sausalito home is approximately $2.5 million.
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Legacy and Impact
Dave Koz has established himself as a prominent figure in the smooth jazz genre through his exceptional musical talent, radio and television presence, and entrepreneurial endeavors. His contributions to the music industry, coupled with his openness about his personal life, have made him a respected and influential figure.