Many fans are curious about Al Jarreau's financial success in 2026. Our team analyzed the latest data to provide a clear picture of their income.

What was Al Jarreau's Net Worth?

Al Jarreau was an R&B and jazz singer-songwriter who had a net worth of $4 million at the time of his death in 2017. Al Jarreau was most widely known for his hit 1981 album "Breakin' Away," which spent two years on the Billboard 200 and won two Grammy Awards. Among his many other credits, Jarreau co-wrote and sang the theme song to the 1980s television series "Moonlighting" and contributed vocals to the famous 1985 charity single "We Are the World."

Early Life and Education

Alwin Jarreau was born on March 12, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the fifth of six children of Pearl and Emile. His mother was a church pianist, while his father was a minister and singer. The family sang together during church concerts and benefits. As an adolescent, Jarreau attended Lincoln High School, where he was president of the student council. For his higher education, he went to Ripon College, graduating with his bachelor's degree in psychology in 1962. Jarreau went on to obtain a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa in 1964.

Career Beginnings

During his time at Ripon College, Jarreau sang in a group called the Indigos. Later, after graduating from the University of Iowa, he moved to California and became a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco. Jarreau also continued his singing career by moonlighting with a jazz trio led byGeorge Duke, and then forming a duo with guitarist Julio Martinez. In 1969, he and Martinez traveled to Southern California and performed at a number of major nightclubs. Jarreau went on to expand his nightclub appearances across the country; he also got into songwriting.

Albums

In 1975, Jarreau was working with pianist Tom Canning when he drew the attention of Warner Bros. Records. He subsequently released his debut album, "We Got By," which launched him to international stardom. Jarreau released his second album, "Glow," in 1976. The following year, he released the live album "Look to the Rainbow," which went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. Jarreau won that category again the very next year for his album "All Fly Home." He continued his success with his 1980 album "This Time," which reached number 27 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Jazz charts. Jarreau had his greatest commercial success with his fifth studio album, "Breakin' Away," which was released in 1981. The album peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for two years, and spawned the hit single "We're in This Love Together." In addition to being nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys, "Breakin' Away" won two Grammy Awards: for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male and Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male.

Ultimately, Al Jarreau's financial journey is a testament to their success.

Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.