Legendary Saxophonist and composer Benny Golson took his last breath at the age of 94. His contribution to music and art has earned him worldwide recognition and almost $1 billion networth by 2024.
Benny Golson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 25, 1929. He started learning the piano at 9 and eventually moved to the saxophone at 14.
He was also featured in big bands such as Agnes Moorehead, Lionel Hampton, and Dizzy Gillespie.
They helped him to solidify his position as one of the jazz greats of the decade in the 1950s.
Composing and arrangement was, however, where his true might was with Jazz classics such as “I Remember Clifford” and “Whisper Not.”
In 1959, Golson co-founded The Jazztet with Art Farmer, reinforcing his position as an essential figure in jazz history.
Benny Golson, the Master Tenor Saxophonist Who Transformed His Wealth Through Music
According to some resources, Benny Golson’s estimated net worth is a whopping $1 billion.
His wealth skyrocketed due to his inventiveness as a musician and prudent investor in the jazz style.
Notably, the most remarkable of such compositions, “Along Came Betty” and “Blues March,” became jazz standards.
Due to these well-known pieces of music, the composer acquired considerable income through concert fees, royalties, and record sales.
In contrast, Benny Golson’s income pace is consistent with what is obtainable in the music business today.
In 2024, a year that PRS for Music will remember in history, a record revenue of £943.6 million was distributed to authors, songwriters, and music publishers.
This is 13% more than the royalties sharing of the previous year.
That is why, even after many years since he composed his songs, Golson has not had any difficulty monetizing his skills.
Moreover, his compositions still generate income through earn-outs from the collective publishing sale and royalties charges.
As part of his multifaceted career in music, Joseph Golson also excelled at writing for television programs, including Mannix and Mission Impossible.
In addition, Golson owned shares and real estate properties, contributing to his wealth.
Most of his colleagues retire from performing after long work stretches due to their age or choice. However, Benny Golson played for several years, even during his old age.
Furthermore, he has created music for many performers and the moviemaking industry. Golson adored performing on stage and did it for several decades.
Additional Information
- Benny’s national and international concerts have been canceled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Golson was awarded the NEA Jazz Masters Award by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1996.
- In October 2007, Golson was awarded the Mellon Living Legend Legacy Award.
