Howard Kaylan Net Worth

Howard Kaylan’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Singer’s Career and Life

Howard Kaylan, the multifaceted American singer, musician, writer, actor, and producer, has cultivated a career spanning several decades. Known for his distinctive voice and contributions to iconic bands, Kaylan’s journey through the music industry is a testament to his enduring talent. As of 2024, Howard Kaylan’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million, reflecting his successful ventures in music and entertainment.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Howard Lawrence Kaplan, later known as Howard Kaylan, was born on June 22, 1947, in The Bronx, New York City. His family later moved, and he grew up in both Utica, New York, and Los Angeles, California. Kaylan’s early life was marked by a passion for music. He studied clarinet and choral music, showcasing his musical aptitude from a young age. At the age of 16, he was recognized for his artistic abilities, winning a Bank of America Fine Arts Award. Demonstrating academic excellence as well, Kaylan was valedictorian of his high school class, graduating early to pursue further educational opportunities. He received a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he briefly attended classes before his musical career began to take off.

The Turtles and Early Success

Kaylan’s professional music career began in 1965 when he co-founded The Turtles with Mark Volman, whom he had met in their high school a cappella choir. Prior to forming The Turtles, Kaylan and Volman were members of the Nightriders, later known as the Crossfires. The Crossfires gained traction after releasing the single “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” / “Fiberglass Jungle” in 1963. The band’s evolution led to a name change to The Turtles after signing with White Whale Records. The Turtles quickly gained popularity, releasing their debut album, “It Ain’t Me Babe,” in 1965. The album’s success was followed by the release of “You Baby” in 1966, which further solidified their presence in the music scene. However, it was the release of “Happy Together” in 1967 that catapulted The Turtles to international fame.

The album “Happy Together” reached #25 on the “Billboard” 200 chart, while their hit single, “Happy Together”, soared to the top, reaching #1 on both the “Billboard” Hot 100 and the “Cashbox” charts, and #2 in Canada. The song’s enduring appeal led to its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007 and a spot at #44 on BMI’s list of the “Top 100 Songs of the Century” in 1999. The album “Happy Together” also featured the single “She’d Rather Be with Me,” which reached #1 in Canada, cementing The Turtles as a global success. The band continued to release music, including “The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands” (1968) and “Turtle Soup” (1969), before disbanding in 1970. This period defined Kaylan’s early career, establishing him as a prominent figure in the music industry.

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Flo & Eddie and Beyond: A Diverse Career

Following The Turtles’ breakup, Kaylan and Mark Volman joined Frank Zappa’s band, The Mothers of Invention, at the end of 1970. However, their tenure with Zappa was cut short after a concert incident at London’s Rainbow Theatre in December 1971. After Zappa’s injury, Kaylan and Volman formed the band Flo & Eddie, signing with Columbia Records. They released several albums under this name, including “The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie” (1972), “Flo & Eddie” (1973), and “Illegal, Immoral and Fattening” (1975). Beyond their own musical projects, Flo & Eddie gained recognition for their backing vocals on over 100 albums. These collaborations included work with notable artists such as Alice Cooper, Bruce Springsteen, Steely Dan, David Cassidy, Keith Moon, Blondie, the Ramones, and Duran Duran. Kaylan’s involvement in Flo & Eddie showcased his adaptability and versatility as a musician.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Kaylan explored other creative avenues. He penned the screenplay for the 2003 film “My Dinner with Jimi,” which earned the Best Screenplay award at the Slamdunk Film Festival. He also served as an associate producer for the 1991 documentary “The Turtles: Happy Together.” Kaylan also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “200 Motels” (1971), “Get Crazy” (1983), and Stephen King’s “Riding the Bullet” (2004). He also made appearances on television shows, including “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” (1988) and “Suddenly Susan” (1999). In the 1990s, Kaylan also explored writing short stories, which were featured in anthologies. His solo album “Dust Bunnies” was released in 2006. In 2010, he began touring with The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, participating in the “Happy Together Tour” through 2017, showcasing his enduring connection with his fans and music.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 2018, health concerns led Howard Kaylan to miss the “Happy Together Tour.” His longtime bandmate Mark Volman revealed that Kaylan’s back problems made it difficult to travel and perform. In a 2013 interview, Kaylan discussed writing his autobiography, highlighting the emotional impact it had on him and his family. He mentioned the process of revisiting and sharing personal stories, some of which were previously unknown to his daughters and other family members. This autobiographical work offered a window into Kaylan’s life, including his relationships and experiences. Through his various endeavors, Kaylan has left a mark on the music world and beyond, proving his versatility and passion.

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Conclusion

Howard Kaylan’s net worth of $4 million reflects his successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry. From his early days with The Turtles, through his work with Flo & Eddie, and his solo projects, Kaylan has proven to be a resilient and multifaceted artist. His contributions to music, film, and television have solidified his place in entertainment history. Howard Kaylan’s story is one of adaptability, creativity, and enduring passion, leaving a lasting impact on the music world.