Maurice Starr Net Worth

## Maurice Starr: The Architect Behind New Edition and New Kids on the Block

**Table of Contents**

* [What is Maurice Starr’s Net Worth?](#what-maurice-starr8217s-net-worth)
* [Early Life and Musical Beginnings](#early-life)
* [The Johnson Brothers and The Jonzun Crew: Early Musical Ventures](#johnson-brothers-jonzun-crew)
* [Solo Career and the Shift to Production](#solo-recording-career)
* [New Edition: The Breakthrough and Early Success](#new-edition)
* [New Kids on the Block: Creating a Global Phenomenon](#new-kids-on-block)
* [Other Production Projects and Legacy](#other-bands)

What is Maurice Starr’s Net Worth?

Maurice Starr, a name synonymous with the boy band explosion of the 1980s and 90s, has amassed a significant fortune throughout his career. His net worth is estimated to be $40 million, a testament to his success as a musician, songwriter, producer, and impresario. Starr’s ability to identify talent, craft catchy tunes, and understand the market propelled him to the forefront of the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Larry Curtis Johnson on July 14, 1953, in DeLand, Florida, Maurice Starr’s musical journey began in a household brimming with talent. His parents, Willie Mae and Ray Johnson, were both musicians. His mother played the organ in church, while his father was a trumpet player. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career. As a young adult, he later moved to Boston, Massachusetts, a city that would become a pivotal location in his rise to fame.

The Johnson Brothers and The Jonzun Crew: Early Musical Ventures

Before achieving mainstream recognition, Starr, then known as Larry Curtis Johnson, honed his skills performing with his brothers, Soni and Michael, in the bands the Johnson Brothers and later, the Jonzun Crew. The Jonzun Crew, an electro-funk group, stood out for its innovative blend of funk and futuristic sounds, drawing inspiration from the Afro-futurist aesthetics of Parliament-Funkadelic. The group, which also comprised Steve Thorpe and Gordy Worthy, gained traction with their debut album, “Lost in Space,” released in 1983. This album featured tracks such as “Space Is the Place,” “Space Cowboy,” and “Pack Jam (Look Out for the OVC),” showcasing the band’s unique musical style. The Jonzun Crew released two more albums, “Down to Earth” (1984) and “Cosmic Love” (1990), further exploring their distinct electro-funk sound.

Solo Career and the Shift to Production

In 1980, Johnson adopted the stage name Maurice Starr and embarked on a solo recording career. He released two R&B albums, “Flaming Starr” and “Spacey Lady.” However, these solo projects did not achieve significant commercial success. This experience led Starr to shift his focus from performing to music production and songwriting, a decision that would ultimately define his career and secure his lasting impact on the music industry.

New Edition: The Breakthrough and Early Success

In 1982, Starr’s trajectory changed dramatically. He hosted a talent show, Hollywood Talent Night, at the Strand Theatre in Boston. A young boy band, New Edition, captured Starr’s attention despite finishing in second place. Impressed by their performance, Starr invited the group to his studio the next day to record an album. This decision proved to be a turning point for both Starr and New Edition. Released in 1983, their debut album, “Candy Girl,” was a massive success. Starr served as producer, arranger, and mixer, contributing to the album’s overall sound and crafting several instrumental tracks. The album spawned hit singles like “Is This the End,” “Popcorn Love,” and the title track, solidifying New Edition’s place in the music world.

However, despite the initial success, financial struggles and underpayment issues led to a parting of ways between Starr and New Edition in 1984.