David Gates has a net worth of $3 million, which reflects his success as a singer, songwriter, and producer. He rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the band Bread, which gained immense popularity in the 1970s with hits like “Make It with You” and “Baby I’m-a Want You.” These chart-topping songs earned him recognition and a steady flow of royalties, contributing significantly to his wealth over the years.
Apart from his music career, he diversified his income by purchasing a 1,400-acre cattle ranch. This move ensured financial stability beyond his time in the spotlight. Now retired, he lives peacefully in Mount Vernon, Washington, with his wife, Jo Rita Gates, and their four children. His ability to transition from the music industry to other ventures highlights a well-rounded approach to managing his personal and professional life.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
| Real Name | David Ashworth Gates |
| Popular Name | David Gates |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | December 11, 1940 |
| Age | 83 years old |
| Parents | Clarence Gates, Wanda Rollins |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Will Rogers High School, University of Oklahoma |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jo Rita Gates |
| Children | Four ( Three Lawyer, One Cardiothoracic surgeon |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Source of Wealth | Music (Singer, Songwriter, Producer) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in |
What is the Net Worth Of David Gates in 2024?
David Gates has a net worth of around $3 million in 2024. He is known as the lead singer and songwriter for the famous band Bread. David’s musical career spans decades, and he made money through his work as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His biggest hit was “Make It With You,” which reached #1 on the charts.
Gates’ wealth also comes from his successful solo career. He sold many albums and worked with other famous artists. In addition, Gates invested his earnings in a cattle ranch. He continues to enjoy his life in Mount Vernon, Washington with his wife, Jo Rita Gates.
Here’s a brief comparison of David Gates with other notable musicians:
- Leon Russell: A Tulsa native-like Gates, Russell influenced Bread’s sound and collaborated with Gates.
- Elvis Presley: Gates worked with Presley early in his career, who influenced his musical style.
- Pat Boone: A fellow singer and early industry collaborator.
- Boy George: Known for Culture Club, Boy George shared a similar music path.
- Frank Sinatra: A major singer and songwriter who shaped many artists, including Gates.
- Engelbert Humperdinck: Known for ballads, Humperdinck appealed to the same soft rock audience.
- Robb Royer & Jimmy Griffin: Fellow members of Bread, contributing to the band’s success.
- The Monkees: Similar pop success to Bread in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Captain Beefheart: A unique artist who worked with Gates on early projects.
These musicians like David Gates built lasting careers with their musical talent.
Salary and Finance Overview
David Gates has earned a significant amount of money from his music career. He made money as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His band, Bread, became popular and sold many albums, which helped him build his wealth. Over the years, David has released solo albums and worked with several artists. This has added to his net worth of $3 million in 2024.
Most of David’s earnings come from his music. He also invested in a cattle ranch that brought in more income. His work with Bread and his solo career still contributes to his financial success.
Early Life and Education of David Gates
David Gates was born on December 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in a musical family. His father Clarence Gates worked as a band director. His mother Wanda Rollins was a piano teacher. David learned to play the piano, violin, bass, and guitar at an early age. He attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, where he formed his first band, The Accents. The band performed at various events, including a concert with Chuck Berry in 1957.
After high school David went to the University of Oklahoma. He studied law and pre-med but later switched to music. During this time he married his high school sweetheart, Jo Rita Gates. David’s passion for music grew, leading him to become a talented songwriter and producer. His early life laid the foundation for his future success with the band Bread.
David Gates’s Rise in the Music Industry
In the late 1950s and early 1960s David Gates moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. He worked as a music copyist and studio musician. His skill in writing music helped him gain recognition in the industry.
His first major hit Popsicles and Icicles was performed by The Mermaids. This success built his reputation as a talented songwriter. As his career grew so did his financial success laying the foundation for his future achievements in the music world.
The Formation and Success of Bread
In 1968 David Gates co-founded the band Bread with Robb Royer and Jimmy Griffin. Their debut album in 1969 was a hit, featuring the popular single Make It with You.This song helped the band gain national recognition.
As the frontman Gates played a key role in the band’s success. Bread became one of the most popular soft rock bands of the 1970s. Their success led to seven consecutive gold albums which significantly increased Gates’ wealth and solidified his place in music history.
Contribution to Bread’s Achievements
David Gates made a huge contribution to Bread’s achievements. As the primary songwriter and lead vocalist, he wrote many of the band’s hits. Songs like “If” and “Baby I’m-a Want You” helped Bread chart 13 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. His talent as a songwriter and vocalist was key to the band’s success.
Gates also played a major role in shaping Bread’s sound. Under his leadership, the band released several successful albums. Their songs became iconic in pop and soft rock music. Gates’ work with Bread still has an impact today.
Solo Career and Music Productions
David Gates’ solo career began after Bread disbanded. He released albums like First and Never Let Her Go, showcasing his skills as a songwriter and producer. His music varied from soft rock to pop, gaining fans worldwide. His singles like “Goodbye Girl” became popular and helped him maintain a strong presence in the music world.
In addition to his solo work, David Gates contributed to the music industry by producing for other artists. His ability to craft hits and write meaningful lyrics earned him respect in the industry. His net worth reflects his continuous success in music production.
Collaborations with Major Artists
David Gates worked with many famous artists throughout his career. He wrote songs and produced music for stars like Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, and Merle Haggard. His talents reached across many genres. Gates helped create hits for groups such as The Monkees and Captain Beefheart.
He also worked on movies. Gates scored the film Journey to Shiloh in 1967. His collaborations made a big impact in the music industry and helped shape his career.
Awards and Recognitions in His Career
David Gates received many awards and recognitions for his work in music. He was part of the band Bread, which was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. This honor highlighted the band’s influence on pop music in the 1970s.
Additionally, Gates’ song “Make It with You” became a hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His work as a songwriter, producer, and solo artist helped him gain respect in the music industry.
Impact of His Music on Popular Culture
David Gates’ music has greatly influenced popular culture. As the lead singer of Bread, he helped create timeless songs like “Make It with You” that became huge hits. His voice and songwriting continue to inspire artists today. Songs like “The Guitar Man” have also become classics, covered by many artists and featured in various media.
His impact goes beyond just his music. Many fans still enjoy his solo albums. David Gates’ work has shaped the sound of 1970s music and has left a lasting legacy in the world of songwriting and music production. His songs continue to earn him royalties, adding to his financial legacy.
His Transition to a Quiet Life and Other Ventures
In the late 1970s David Gates shifted his attention from music to cattle ranching. He purchased a 1,400-acre ranch which helped him diversify his income. This allowed him to remain financially stable while moving away from the spotlight.
Today Gates enjoys a peaceful life in Mount Vernon Washington. He spends his time with his family having transitioned from his days of fame to a more private fulfilling lifestyle.
Family and Personal Life
After his music career, David Gates chose a peaceful life with his high school sweetheart, Jo Rita Gates, whom he married in 1959. They now live a quiet and happy life in Mount Vernon, Washington. The couple raised four children, three of whom are successful lawyers, and one is a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Besides music, Gates explored other interests. He studied cattle ranching and bought a 1,400-acre ranch, financed with royalties earned during his time with Bread.
FAQs About David Gates
What happened to David Gates of Bread?
He transitioned to a quieter life after Bread’s breakup, focusing on cattle ranching and enjoying retirement with his family.
Where is the band Bread now?
The band is no longer active, but their music still holds a special place in pop and rock history.
Are any members of the group Bread still alive?
Yes, he is still alive, though other members like Jimmy Griffin have passed away.
Did David Gates write his own songs?
Yes, he wrote many of Bread’s biggest hits, establishing himself as a prolific songwriter.
Where was David Gates born?
He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 11, 1940.
How did he contribute to Bread’s success?
He was the lead singer and primary songwriter, penning many of their hit songs like “Make It with You.”
When did David Gates start his solo career?
He began his solo career after Bread’s first breakup in 1973, releasing successful albums.
Did he work with other famous artists?
Yes, he worked with artists like Elvis Presley and Pat Boone during his early career.
What is David Gates’s family life like?
He has been married to Jo Rita Gates since 1959 and they have four children together.
Conclusion
David Gates made a huge impact on music, both with Bread and as a solo artist. His songs like Make It with You are still loved today. After his time with the band, he shifted to a quieter life, focusing on cattle ranching and spending time with his family.
He has been married to Jo Rita Gates since 1959 and they have four children. With a net worth of $3 million, his music and contributions to the industry continue to inspire many. His journey shows the balance of fame and personal peace.
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