$120 Million
What is David Bryan’s Net Worth?
David Bryan is an American musician who has a net worth of $120 million. David Bryan is most famous for being the keyboard player for Bon Jovi. He has written and provided backing vocals for several Bon Jovi hits plus he is responsible for the success of the musical “Memphis”. Hailing from New Jersey, Bryan comes from a fairly musical background – his father played the trumpet and taught his son to play. Bryan would go on to learn to play the piano, violin, viola and clarinet. David soon became a keyboard player for a band called Transition. In the early eighties, Bryan joined Bon Jovi. At the time, he was attending Rutgers University, but dropped out to snatch this once-in-a -lifetime opportunity. From the start Bryan has been the band’s keyboardist and backing vocalist. He is one of the driving forces behind the super stardom of Bon Jovi. David co-wrote Breakout and Love Lies for the band’s first album, Bon Jovi (1984). The album received positive reviews and went gold in the US. It was ranked the 11th best rock album of 1984 by Kerrang magazine.
Bryan did not just enjoy his success with Bon Jovi – alongside award-winning playwright and author Joe DiPietro, he co- wrote the musical Memphis, which had its at off-Broadway debut in 2002. The musical production was performed across the US and in 2009- 7 years after its debut – Memphis was shown on Broadway. Since then, Memphis became a firm fixture at Broadway, winning a string of Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Memphis is one of the most nominated shows on Broadway. What with the success of Memphis, the Bryan/DiPietro relationship was strengthened. The powerful duo went on to produce another award-winning musical, The Toxic Avenger, which premiered in 2009.
Biography
David Bryan Rashbaum, born on February 7, 1962, is a versatile American musician and songwriter known for his multifaceted career in the music industry. While he is perhaps best recognized as the keyboard player for the iconic rock band Bon Jovi, Bryan’s contributions extend far beyond the stage. He has co-written songs, performed backing vocals, and even ventured into the world of musical theater. In 2018, his remarkable musical journey culminated in his induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bon Jovi. Here’s a closer look at the life and achievements of David Bryan:
Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
David Bryan Rashbaum was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and spent his formative years in Edison, New Jersey. His musical lineage was evident from an early age, as his father, Eddie Rashbaum, was a trumpet player. Raised in a Jewish household, Bryan’s musical odyssey commenced during his school years.
His educational path took him through various schools, including Clara Barton Elementary School, where he showcased his talent by playing multiple instruments, including violin, viola, trumpet, and clarinet. This early exposure to diverse musical instruments laid the foundation for his future as a keyboard maestro.
Bryan continued his educational journey at Herbert Hoover Middle School and later at J. P. Stevens High School, where he graduated. It was during these years that he began to learn the piano at the age of seven and started playing keyboards for a band called “Transition,” alongside bass player Steve Sileo and lead singer Mike Ziegel.
Dedicated to honing his craft, Bryan pursued formal training with Emery Hack, a professor at Juilliard, for an impressive thirteen years. Although he briefly attended Rutgers University, his passion for music led him to drop out in favor of furthering his education at Juilliard.
In matters of the heart, Bryan married his high school sweetheart, April McLean, on August 25, 1990. However, the marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 2004. Together, they have three children. On August 7, 2010, Bryan tied the knot with Lexi Quaas in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
Overcoming Challenges:
David Bryan’s journey has been marked by resilience in the face of adversity. In the late 1990s, he encountered a near-catastrophic accident involving a circular saw that nearly severed one of his fingers. After a year of rigorous rehabilitation, Bryan made a remarkable recovery and regained the use of his finger, allowing him to return to playing the keyboard.
Additionally, in 1991, while on tour with Bon Jovi in South America, Bryan fell victim to a parasitic infection that severely impacted his health. He described the ordeal, stating that the parasite had ravaged his stomach lining, intestines, and nerve endings, leading to a perilous state of poisoning. Bryan spent two weeks in the hospital and an additional month bedridden at home during his recovery.
In a further testament to his resilience, Bryan faced and conquered the COVID-19 pandemic. He tested positive for COVID-19 on March 21, 2020, but by April 19, 2020, he announced that he had successfully recovered from the virus.
Philanthropic Endeavors:
David Bryan has made significant contributions to philanthropic causes throughout his career. He has been actively involved in VH-1’s “Save the Music” program, which seeks to support music education in schools. Additionally, he has lent his talents to “Only Make Believe,” an organization that brings interactive theater experiences to chronically ill and disabled children in hospitals and care facilities.
Bryan co-wrote the anthem for “Only Make Believe” titled “Rockin’ All Over the World,” in collaboration with Dena Hammerstein. He holds an honorary Board membership with the organization.
Furthermore, Bryan serves as a board member of the “Traveling Guitar Foundation” founded by Damon Marks. This foundation focuses on bringing music education and experiences to students in underserved communities.
Beyond his musical and philanthropic pursuits, David Bryan and Bon Jovi have undertaken meaningful initiatives, including building homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina. They also donated one million dollars to Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network, leading to the creation of “Bon Jovi Boulevard” in Louisiana.
David Bryan’s journey as a musician, survivor, and philanthropist exemplifies the power of talent, resilience, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world through both music and humanitarian efforts.
