Introduction
When it comes to jazz music, the name Norman Granz is not one that is often heard. However, this jazz icon is responsible for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker. But what many people don’t know is that Granz was also extremely wealthy. In fact, his net worth was estimated to be around $150 million at the time of his death. So, how did this jazz promoter amass such a fortune? In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the untold story of Norman Granz’s impressive net worth.
Section 1: Early Life and Career
Norman Granz was born in Los Angeles, California in 1918. He grew up in a predominantly African American neighborhood and was exposed to jazz music at an early age. He began his career in the music industry as a journalist and photographer for jazz magazines. In the mid-1940s, he started producing concerts featuring some of the biggest names in jazz, such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Section 2: The Birth of Verve Records
In 1956, Granz founded Verve Records, a record label dedicated to jazz music. Some of the label’s most successful albums were those by Ella Fitzgerald, who became Granz’s most famous artist and longtime friend. By the 1960s, Verve Records became one of the most successful jazz labels in the industry.
Section 3: Jazz at the Philharmonic
In addition to starting Verve Records, Granz was also responsible for founding Jazz at the Philharmonic, a series of concerts that showcased some of the biggest talents in jazz, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Stan Getz. These concerts were extremely popular and helped to bring jazz to wider audiences.
Section 4: The Jazz Scene in Europe
In the 1950s, Granz began to take his concerts overseas, particularly to Europe, where jazz was becoming increasingly popular. He organized several tours featuring musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson. This venture proved to be extremely successful and helped to establish Granz as a prominent figure in the global music industry.
Section 5: The Fight for Civil Rights
Norman Granz was a strong supporter of civil rights and used his influence to fight against segregation in the music industry. He refused to perform in venues that refused to allow African American musicians to perform. He also organized several concerts that were intended to promote integration and equality.
Section 6: The Sale of Verve Records
In 1961, Granz sold Verve Records to MGM for $3 million. However, he continued to produce concerts and remain active in the music industry. He also founded several other record labels, including Pablo Records and JATP Records.
Section 7: Norman Granz’s Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2001, Norman Granz’s net worth was estimated to be around $150 million. Much of his fortune came from the sale of Verve Records, as well as his successful concerts and record labels. He also made several lucrative investments, including real estate and stocks.
FAQs
1. What is Norman Granz’s net worth?
Norman Granz’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $150 million.
2. How did Norman Granz get rich?
Norman Granz became rich through his concerts, record labels, and investments, in addition to the sale of Verve Records.
3. What is Verve Records?
Verve Records is a record label founded by Norman Granz in 1956 that is dedicated to jazz music.
4. What is Jazz at the Philharmonic?
Jazz at the Philharmonic is a concert series founded by Norman Granz that featured some of the biggest names in jazz music.
5. What did Norman Granz do for civil rights?
Norman Granz used his influence to fight against segregation in the music industry and organized several concerts that were intended to promote integration and equality.
6. What other record labels did Norman Granz found?
In addition to Verve Records, Norman Granz also founded Pablo Records and JATP Records.
7. When did Norman Granz die?
Norman Granz died in 2001 at the age of 83.
Conclusion
Norman Granz was not only a prominent figure in the world of jazz music, but he was also very successful in terms of his net worth. Through his concerts, record labels, and investments, Granz was able to amass a fortune estimated to be around $150 million. However, his legacy goes beyond his wealth. Granz was also a trailblazer for civil rights and used his platform to promote equality and integration in the music industry. His contributions to jazz music and civil rights will always be remembered.