George Duke, born in 1940, embarked on his musical journey at an early age, growing up in San Rafael, California. He began playing piano at just four years old, a talent nurtured by his mother who was a music teacher. Duke’s first public performance came at the age of seven, playing a classical piece at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Duke’s career took a significant turn when he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s. Here, he joined the band The Mysterious Traveler, which later evolved into the psychedelic rock group, Cannonball Adderley’s Quintet. It was during this time that Duke’s unique fusion of jazz, funk, and rock began to take shape, catching the attention of both critics and audiences alike.

George Duke’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, George Duke’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, according to the latest available information.

Career

George Duke, born in 1940, is an American musician, keyboardist, and producer. He’s known for his fusion of jazz, rock, and funk, with a career spanning over five decades. Duke has collaborated with numerous legendary artists like Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson. He’s released over 30 solo albums and won two Grammy Awards.

Other Ventures

Besides his musical career, Duke has ventured into film scoring and acting. He composed music for films like “The Big Bounce” and “Honey,” and made appearances in movies such as “The Five Heartbeats” and “Jungle Fever.” Additionally, he’s been a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, teaching music production and technology.

Assets

Duke’s assets include a sprawling estate in Malibu, California, valued at over $10 million. He also owns a luxurious home in Los Angeles, a collection of high-end vehicles, and a vast portfolio of musical instruments, many of which are rare and vintage. His music catalog, which includes numerous hit songs and albums, is another significant asset.

Annual Income

As of 2025, George Duke’s annual income is estimated to be around $3 million. This includes royalties from his music catalog, touring, and teaching. His income also comes from his production work, film scoring, and acting roles.

Frequently Asked Questions about  George Duke

George Duke Net Worth

George Duke, a renowned jazz keyboardist, composer, and producer, had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2013.

What was George Duke’s primary source of income?

George Duke’s primary sources of income were his successful music career as a jazz keyboardist, composer, and producer. He also earned from his collaborations with various artists and his work as a session musician.

How many albums did George Duke release as a solo artist?

Throughout his career, George Duke released over 30 solo albums. His debut album, “The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience,” was released in 1964, and his final album, “Dream on It,” was released in 2013, the year of his death.

Who were some of the artists George Duke collaborated with?

George Duke collaborated with a wide range of artists throughout his career. Some notable collaborations include Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, and many others. He also worked extensively with his wife, singer and songwriter, Nancy Wilson.

What awards did George Duke receive for his music?

George Duke received numerous awards and nominations for his music. He won two Grammy Awards, one in 1996 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Sweet Baby” with Al Jarreau, and another in 2015 posthumously for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Put It on the Line” with Dianne Reeves. He was also nominated for several other Grammy Awards throughout his career.

What was George Duke’s role in the film industry?

In addition to his music career, George Duke also worked in the film industry. He composed music for several films, including “Car Wash” (1976), “Thank God It’s Friday” (1978), and “The Lady in Red” (1979). He also appeared as an actor in a few films and television shows.

How did George Duke influence the music industry?

George Duke was a pioneer in the fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic music. His innovative approach to music production and his collaborations with various artists helped to shape the sound of modern jazz and R&B. He was also known for his mentorship of younger musicians and his commitment to music education.

What was George Duke’s cause of death?

George Duke passed away on August 5, 2013, at the age of 67, due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of cancer.

Where was George Duke born and raised?

George Duke was born on January 12, 1940, in San Rafael, California. He grew up in Marin County, California, and began playing piano at the age of four.

What was George Duke’s education background?

George Duke graduated from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, California, in 1957. He then attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied classical piano. He later transferred to the College of San Mateo and then to the San Francisco State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in composition and music theory.