Herb Alpert Net Worth

Herb Alpert’s Net Worth: A Look at the Trumpet Legend’s Fortune

Introduction

Herb Alpert, a name synonymous with smooth trumpet melodies and entrepreneurial success, has cultivated a net worth estimated at a staggering $850 million. This figure is a testament to his multifaceted career, encompassing his iconic musical contributions as the leader of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, his significant impact on the music industry as a co-founder of A&M Records and Rondor Music, and his ongoing artistic endeavors and philanthropic efforts. This article will delve into the various facets of Herb Alpert’s career and explore how he amassed his considerable wealth, examining his musical achievements, business acumen, and dedication to giving back.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Herbert Alpert on March 31, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Herb Alpert’s musical journey began in the heart of a family with deep roots in music. His parents, Tillie and Louis Leib Alpert, were Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Romania, instilling in him an early appreciation for the arts. At the tender age of eight, Herb began taking trumpet lessons, a skill that would lay the foundation for his illustrious career. As a teenager, he honed his craft, performing at dances and local events. He attended Fairfax High School, and following his graduation in 1952, he served in the U.S. Army, where he continued to use his trumpet skills at ceremonies and events. Upon returning from his military service, he briefly explored acting before returning to his musical passion, enrolling at the University of Southern California (USC) and becoming a member of the renowned USC Trojan Marching Band.

The Rise of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass

Herb Alpert’s musical career gained momentum when he began writing songs for Keen Records in 1957. He established a small recording studio in his garage and collaborated with musician Rob Weerts, co-writing several songs that achieved Top 20 hit status. Alpert’s songwriting prowess contributed to hits such as “(What A) Wonderful World,” famously performed by Sam Cooke. He also ventured into a solo recording career at Dot Records under the moniker Dore Alpert in 1960. However, Herb Alpert’s most significant musical achievement was the formation of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. The group’s distinct sound, inspired by a brass band he heard at a bullfight in Tijuana, Mexico, quickly captivated audiences. Using innovative overdubbing techniques, Alpert created a unique sonic landscape, initially overdubbing his own trumpet on two tape machines to achieve a distinctive, slightly out-of-sync effect.

His first single, “The Lonely Bull,” was self-funded and quickly gained popularity, reaching the Top 10 in the fall of 1962. The accompanying debut album, “The Lonely Bull,” reached #6 on the Billboard Pop charts. As the band’s popularity grew, Alpert assembled a group of talented session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew, including John Pisano on electric guitar, Lou Pagani on piano, Nick Ceroli on drums, Pat Senatore on bass, and Tonni Kalash on trumpet. The newly formed Tijuana Brass made its debut in 1965 and quickly became one of the highest-paid musical acts of the time.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The Tijuana Brass’s album “Whipped Cream and Other Delights” topped the charts in 1965, remaining on the Billboard charts for over three years. The band released their second album, “Going Places,” in the same year. In 1966, they surpassed The Beatles in album sales, selling more than 13 million albums. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Alpert’s unprecedented feat of placing five albums simultaneously in the Top 20 on the Billboard Pop Album chart, a record that has never been equaled. During the same week, four of those albums were in the Top 10. The band released one or two albums each year throughout the 1960s. Alpert’s only #1 single during this period was a solo effort, “This Guy’s in Love with You,” written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, which he performed in a 1968 CBS Television special titled Beat of the Brass. After disbanding the Tijuana Brass in 1969, Alpert released another album by the group in 1971.

In 1973, Alpert formed Herb Alpert and the T.J.B., which included some original Tijuana Brass members and new musicians. This new version of the Brass released two albums in 1974 and 1975 and went on tour. Alpert reconvened a third version of the Brass in 1984, following an invitation to perform for the athletes at the Los Angeles Summer Games. This led to the Bullish album and tour.

Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Alpert enjoyed a successful solo career. He released a total of 28 albums, with five reaching #1, 14 achieving Platinum status, and 15 going Gold. To date, Herb has won eight Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million albums worldwide. He holds the distinction of being the only musician to have reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop charts both as a vocalist and as an instrumentalist.

A&M Records: The Powerhouse Label

In 1962, Herb Alpert, along with fellow trumpeter Jerry Moss, co-founded A&M Records. Over the next 25 years, A&M grew into the largest independent record company globally. The label signed and nurtured the careers of numerous future superstars, including Janet Jackson, Sheryl Crow, The Police, and The Carpenters. A&M’s impact on the music industry was undeniable, shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in music. In 1989, Alpert and Moss sold A&M Records to PolyGram Records for a staggering $500 million in cash. They remained to manage the combined label for an additional five years. In 1998, the duo sued PolyGram and won an additional $200 million payout. The success of A&M Records solidified Alpert’s reputation as a shrewd businessman and a visionary in the music industry.

Rondor Music: Publishing Success

Rondor Music International, another venture co-founded by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, became a significant force in music publishing. Established separately from A&M, Rondor Music gained prominence for its extensive catalog of songs and its artist-friendly business practices. The company owned the rights to numerous hit songs and collaborated with a diverse range of acclaimed songwriters and musicians.

In 2000, Rondor Music was acquired by Universal Music Group for approximately $400 million worth of Seagram stock. Seagram, a Canadian multinational beverage company controlled by the Bronfman family, had entered the entertainment and media business during the 1990s, leading to its relationship with Universal Music Group. In 1995, Seagram acquired 80% of MCA Inc., which included Universal Pictures and its music division, Universal Music Group. This acquisition marked a significant entry into the media and entertainment industry. Subsequently, in 2000, Seagram’s entertainment assets, including Universal Music, were acquired by the French media conglomerate Vivendi, leading to the creation of Vivendi Universal, now known as Vivendi SA. This acquisition effectively integrated Seagram’s entertainment holdings, including Universal Music, into Vivendi’s portfolio.

Personal Life and Philanthropic Endeavors

Beyond his musical and business achievements, Herb Alpert has dedicated himself to philanthropy. In the 1980s, he created The Herb Alpert Foundation and the Alpert Awards in the Arts, in partnership with the California Institute of the Arts. The Foundation focuses on supporting youth and arts education, environmental issues, and funding various PBS programs. His charitable contributions have had a lasting impact, including a $5 million grant in 2012 to the Harlem School of the Arts, which enabled the school to retire its debt and establish a scholarship program for students in need. In recognition of his support, the school’s building was renamed the Herb Alpert Center in 2013. Further demonstrating his commitment, his foundation donated $10.1 million to Los Angeles City College in 2016, providing tuition-free education for all music majors. In 2020, Alpert gave another $9.7 million to the Harlem School of the Arts to upgrade its facilities.

Herb Alpert was married to Sharon Mae Lubin from 1956 to 1971, and they had two children together. In December 1973, he married recording artist Lani Hall, and they have one daughter.

Conclusion

Herb Alpert’s net worth of $850 million is the result of a remarkable career that has spanned decades and encompassed multiple facets of the music industry. From his innovative music with the Tijuana Brass to his success as a record executive and his dedication to philanthropy, Alpert has left an enduring legacy. His story is a testament to the power of artistic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of giving back to the community, solidifying his status as a true icon.