John Densmore Net Worth

Table of Contents

Net Worth and Salary

Net WorthSalaryBirthdateBirthplaceGenderHeightProfessionNationality
$14 millionN/ADecember 1, 1944Los Angeles, CaliforniaMaleN/AMusician, Songwriter, Actor, PlaywrightAmerican

Highlights

John Densmore, an American musician and songwriter, has a net worth of $14 million. He is best known as the drummer of the rock band the Doors, contributing a distinctive drumming style inspired by jazz, blues, and world music. Densmore has also ventured into acting and playwriting throughout his career.

Early Life

John Densmore was born on December 1, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to Margaret and Ray. He developed his interest in music at a young age and played timpani in the orchestra while attending school. Densmore pursued higher education at Santa Monica City College and later California State University, Northridge, where he studied world music under jazz cellist Fred Katz.

Career

The Doors

In the mid-1960s, John Densmore joined the band the Psychedelic Rangers with guitarist Robby Krieger. He then started playing with keyboardist Ray Manzarek, Manzarek’s two brothers, and vocalist Jim Morrison in the band Rick & the Ravens. In 1965, the band changed its name to the Doors and consisted of Densmore, Manzarek, Morrison, and Krieger. The Doors gained popularity after signing with Elektra Records and released successful albums such as their self-titled debut, “Strange Days,” and “Waiting for the Sun.” They continued to release albums until disbanding in 1973.

Butts Band

Following the disbanding of the Doors, John Densmore and Robby Krieger formed the Butts Band. The group released two studio albums, a self-titled debut in 1973 and “Hear and Now” in 1975. However, neither album achieved significant commercial success, leading to the band’s dissolution.

Theater Career

Alongside his music career, Densmore has been active in theater. He made his stage acting debut in the one-act play “Skins” in 1984, which he also wrote. Densmore created the music for the show “Methusalem” and co-produced the play “Rounds.” Additionally, he appeared in “Band Dreams and Bebop” and starred in a one-man show based on the Donald Barthelme short story “The King of Jazz.”

Television and Film

John Densmore has made appearances on various television shows, including “Square Pegs” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.” In film, he has been part of productions such as “Get Crazy” and Oliver Stone’s biopic “The Doors.” He also produced and co-scored the film “Window of Opportunity.”

Anti-commercialization Efforts

Since Jim Morrison’s passing, John Densmore has been dedicated to preventing the commercialization of the Doors’ songs. He vetoed licensing offers, objected to the use of the Doors name and logo by former bandmates Manzarek and Krieger, and took legal action to preserve the band’s integrity. Densmore’s efforts were supported by the Morrison estate and other notable musicians.

Books

In 1990, John Densmore published his autobiography “Riders on the Storm,” which recounts his life, career, and close friendship with Jim Morrison. He later released “The Doors Unhinged” in 2013, detailing his lengthy legal battle with Manzarek and Krieger. Densmore’s other book, “The Seekers,” was released in 2020.

Personal Life

John Densmore has been married and divorced multiple times. He was first married to Julia Brose from 1970 to 1972. After their divorce, he married Debbie Fife. Densmore then wed Leslie Neale, with whom he has a daughter. In 2020, he married Ildiko Von Somogyi.

Net Worth Over Time

John Densmore’s net worth has reached $14 million throughout his career. His primary source of wealth comes from his involvement with the Doors, as well as his ventures in acting, playwriting, and authoring books.

Components of Net Worth

John Densmore’s net worth of $14 million encompasses various financial assets accumulated over his career. These may include earnings from album sales, music royalties, concert tours, acting roles, book sales, and personal investments. Densmore’s net worth is a reflection of his multiple successful ventures and contributions to the music and entertainment industry.

In conclusion, John Densmore, the drummer of the Doors, has a net worth of $14 million. With his distinctive drumming style, he contributed to the band’s success. Throughout his career, Densmore has also engaged in acting, playwriting, and writing books. His net worth reflects his accomplishments and earnings from various sources in the music and entertainment industry.

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