Herb Alpert Net Worth: The Legacy of a Musical Pioneer and Entrepreneur

Herb Alpert is an American musician and music industry executive who has a net worth of $850 million. As a musician, Herb Alpert is best known for being the trumpeter who led the Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass band in the ’60s. In 1966, the Tijuana brass outsold the Beatles, selling more than 13 million albums. Herb Alpert would go on to release 28 albums, five were #1 hits, 14 went Platinum, and 15 went Gold.

Herb Alpert Early Life

Born on March 31, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Herb Alpert grew up in Boyle Heights, a neighborhood on the Eastside of Los Angeles. He is the child of Tillie and Louis Leib Alpert, musicians and Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Romania. From the age of eight, Herb started taking trumpet lessons and played at dances during his teenage years. After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1952, he served in the Army, where he continued to play the trumpet at various ceremonies and developed an interest in acting. Following his military service, Alpert attended the University of Southern California (USC) and became part of the renowned USC Trojan Marching Band.

Herb Alpert Career

Herb Alpert’s music career took off in 1957 when he started as a songwriter for Keen Records. He soon set up a recording studio in his garage, where, alongside musician Rob Weerts, he penned several top twenty hits, including Sam Cooke’s “(What A) Wonderful World.” By 1960, Alpert, recording under the alias Dore Alpert at Dot Records, released “Tell It to the Birds” with Carnival Records marking his debut.

Alpert is best known for creating “Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass,” inspired by a brass band he heard at a bullfight in Tijuana, Mexico, in the early 1960s. To achieve his unique sound, he overdubbed his trumpet using two tape machines. Initially, the Tijuana Brass consisted solely of Alpert’s layered trumpet recordings. His self-funded single “The Lonely Bull” became a top 10 hit in 1962, followed by the successful album “The Lonely Bull.”

Herb Alpert Personal Life

Herb Alpert grew up in a family of musicians in Los Angeles, California, and started playing the trumpet at the age of eight. He attended the University of Southern California and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Alpert has been married twice, first to Sharon Mae Lubin and then to singer Lani Hall, with whom he has children. His long-standing partnership with Hall has also led to successful musical collaborations.

Herb Alpert Philanthropy and Artistic Pursuits

Beyond music and business, Alpert is a committed philanthropist. He founded the Herb Alpert Foundation, which supports youth and arts education, and environmental issues, and funds PBS programs. His dedication to the arts extends to his endeavors, as he is also an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor with several exhibitions to his name.

Herb Alpert Business Ventures

Alongside his musical achievements, Alpert co-founded A&M Records with Jerry Moss. This label played a crucial role in the rise of iconic artists such as the Carpenters, Sting, and Peter Frampton. In 1989, Alpert and Moss sold A&M Records to PolyGram for $500 million and received an additional $200 million payout in 1998. Alpert further expanded his business portfolio by selling Rondor Music to Universal Music for $400 million in 2000.

Rondor Music

Rondor Music International was a highly influential music publishing company co-founded by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss. Established as a separate entity from A&M, Rondor Music became known for its extensive catalog of songs and a reputation for artist-friendly practices. It owned the rights to numerous hit songs and worked with a wide range of acclaimed songwriters and musicians.

A&M Records

In 1962, Herb Alpert founded a record label with fellow trumpeter Jerry Moss. Over the next 25 years, A&M Records would grow into the largest independent record company in the world. A&M signed future superstars such as Janet Jackson, Sheryl Crow, the Police, and the Carpenters. In 1989, Herb and Jerry sold A&M Records to PolyGram Records for $500 million in cash. They stayed on to manage the combined label for five more years. In 1998, they sued PolyGram and won an additional $200 million payout. Herb has continued to perform and release records ever since.

Herb Alpert Influence and Legacy

Herb Alpert’s influence spans multiple decades and genres, from mariachi to disco. Even at the age of 88, he continues to release new music, demonstrating his enduring passion and creativity. His career, marked by versatility and innovation, serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and philanthropists alike. Alpert’s commitment to excellence and his significant contributions to the music industry and the arts have left a lasting impact on audiences globally.

FAQs

Who is Herb Alpert?

Herb Alpert is an American musician, trumpeter, and music industry executive, best known for leading the group Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass in the 1960s. He is also a philanthropist and co-founder of A&M Records.

What is Herb Alpert’s net worth?

Herb Alpert has an estimated net worth of $850 million, primarily from his successful music career, business ventures, and investments.

What is Herb Alpert’s most famous musical accomplishment?

Herb Alpert is most famous for leading the Tijuana Brass band, which outsold the Beatles in 1966, with more than 13 million albums sold. He also had several successful solo albums and songs.

What was Herb Alpert’s early life like?

Herb Alpert was born on March 31, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in Boyle Heights, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, and began playing the trumpet at the age of eight. He served in the U.S. Army and later attended the University of Southern California (USC).

How did Herb Alpert get started in music?

Alpert’s music career began in 1957 when he started working as a songwriter for Keen Records. He later created the iconic Tijuana Brass sound, which became widely popular.

Conclusion

Herb Alpert’s career is a testament to his talent, innovation, and versatility, both as a musician and entrepreneur. From leading the groundbreaking Tijuana Brass to founding A&M Records, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Beyond music, his philanthropic efforts and artistic endeavors showcase his commitment to supporting the arts and making a positive impact. With a legacy spanning multiple decades, Herb Alpert continues to inspire aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, proving that creativity and passion can create lasting success.