Bruce Hornsby Net Worth

Bruce Hornsby is an American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist with a net worth of $20 million. Known for his distinctive blend of folk, jazz, bluegrass, rock, and country, Hornsby has enjoyed a career spanning over four decades, releasing more than 20 albums, performing with his bands, and collaborating with a wide range of legendary musicians.

Bruce Hornsby Net Worth: $20 Million
Date of Birth: November 23, 1954
Place of Birth: Williamsburg, Virginia
Nationality: American
Profession: singer, songwriter, and keyboardist

Table of Contents

Early Life

Bruce Hornsby was born on November 23, 1954, in Williamsburg, Virginia, to Lois, a pianist, and Robert, an attorney and real estate developer. He grew up alongside two brothers, Bobby and John, and was raised in the Christian Science faith. Hornsby attended James Blair High School, graduating in 1973, before studying briefly at the University of Richmond, the Berklee College of Music, and finally earning a degree from the University of Miami in 1977. Notably, actor David Hornsby is his cousin.

Career

While in college, Hornsby performed with his brother Bobby in a local cover band, Bobby Hi-Test and the Octane Kids. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles, working as a session musician and performing with the band Ambrosia on their final album, Road Island. He later toured with Sheena Easton before forming his own group.

Bruce Hornsby and the Range

Hornsby formed Bruce Hornsby and the Range in 1984. Signed to RCA Records, the band included David Mansfield, Joe Puerta, John Molo, and George Marinelli. Their debut album, The Way It Is (1986), went 3× Platinum, featuring hits like the title track, Mandolin Rain, and Every Little Kiss. The album won Hornsby the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Subsequent albums included Scenes from the Southside (1988), featuring the Grammy-winning single The Valley Road, and A Night on the Town (1990), which produced Hornsby’s last major hit, Across the River.

Solo Career and the Noisemakers

Hornsby launched his solo career with Harbor Lights (1993), collaborating with artists such as Branford Marsalis, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Garcia, and Phil Collins. He later formed Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, releasing albums including Big Swing Face (2002), Halcyon Days (2004), Levitate, and Rehab Reunion, as well as the live album Bride of the Noisemakers.

Grateful Dead and Other Collaborations

Hornsby toured with the Grateful Dead from 1988 until Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, later performing with The Other Ones alongside surviving members.

He has also collaborated with Ricky Skaggs, releasing the Grammy-topping bluegrass album Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby (2007) and the live album Cluck Ol’ Hen (2013). Over the years, Hornsby has worked with artists including Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, and Spike Lee, contributing to albums, film scores, and Broadway projects.

Notable Samples

Hornsby’s hit The Way It Is has been widely sampled, most famously by Tupac Shakur on Changes (1998), one of Tupac’s most iconic songs. Hornsby has said that his original version continues to generate significant royalties, especially with the rise of streaming platforms.

Personal Life

Hornsby is married to Kathy Hornsby, and the couple has twin sons, Russell and Keith, both former college athletes. A lifelong basketball fan, Hornsby often attends college games in Virginia.

Real Estate

The Hornsby family resides in a 32-acre estate in Williamsburg, Virginia, featuring a 7,000-square-foot mansion and multiple additional structures, reflecting Hornsby’s long-standing success in music and business.