Everything About Rick James’ Net Worth, Personal Life, and Career

The reputation of Rick James is built on his legendary years as an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and musician. By the time of his death in 2004, Rick James had a net worth of $250,000. Although Rick James was successful in his career, his time had little online influence which would have pushed his success even further.

Nonetheless, Rick James managed to work on his career and it was only after his death that it was discovered that he had a real estate worth $250,000. Rick was known to be a lavish spender. He could even spend $7,000 weekly to sustain his cocaine lifestyle. Moreover, he lost a share of his wealth through legal settlement, including a multi-million dollar legal settlement to a woman in a case where he was accused of assaulting her.

Early Life of Rick James

Rick was born in Buffalo, New York. He was born on February 1, 1948, and his birth name is James Ambrose Johnson Jr. Rick was the son of James ad Mabel. His father was an autoworker while his mother was a dancer.

James was raised alongside 7 siblings and his father left when he was ten years old. His mother’s career is what exposed Rick James to the world pf music at his young age. Growing up, Rick James attended Orchard Park High School. He also attended Bennett High School but later dropped out.

Unfortunately, his childhood wasn’t the smoothest. It was during that period that he got exposed to different vices. For instance, he started doing drugs in middle school and it reached a point that he got busted for committing burglarly.

Rick James was in and out of jail as a teenager. During this period, he was playing local jazz in different groups in New York City.

Career Life of Rick James

James fled to Toronto in 1964 after he missed the requirement to join Navy Reserves. It was in Toronto that he met Levon Helm who played in the Ronnie Hawkins’ backing band. It was this relationship that helped James to join the Toronto music scene.

During this time, he used the name Ricky James Mathews as a way of avoiding getting detected by the U.S military authorities. He then formed the Mynah Birds, a soul and rock band.

He then began recording with Canadian division of Columbia Records. James released his first solo album dabbed “Come Get It!” in 1978 under Motown Records. It was this album that pushed Rick to stardom and set a path for his success.

Rick then released his second and third albums and shortly after went on his tout. His fourth and fifth albums consisted of hits such as “Give It to Me Baby” which furthered pushed him into the limelight.

Rick James Net Worth

His successful career over the period of his active years made Rick James a star and earned him much income. Rick spent his wealth to sustain his needs and by the time of his death, his net worth was $250,000.