Ross Valory Net Worth: From Journey to Retirement

Introduction

Ross Valory is a legendary American bassist, best known for his work with the rock band ‘Journey.’ His career has spanned over four decades and has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With his powerful bass lines and groovy rhythms, Ross has won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. In this article, we will delve into Ross Valory’s net worth and his other accomplishments throughout his career.

Net Worth and Salary

Ross Valory’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His primary source of income is his music career, which has spanned over four decades. Ross has earned a significant sum of money from his albums, tours, and collaborations with other artists.

Early Life and Education

Ross Valory was born on February 2, 1949, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in Lafayette, a suburb of the East Bay region of San Francisco. Ross had a passion for music from a young age, and he began playing the guitar when he was ten years old. However, he switched to bass when he was in high school.

After completing his high school education, Ross went to Diablo Valley College and then transferred to California State University, Hayward. He studied music at both these institutions and honed his skills as a bassist.

Career

Ross Valory began his music career in the mid-70s. He played in various bands and worked as a session musician before joining ‘Journey’ in 1978. He worked with the band for over three decades and recorded several hit albums like ‘Escape,’ ‘Frontiers,’ and ‘Raised on Radio.’ Ross co-wrote some of Journey’s most popular songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Stone in Love,” and “Any Way You Want It.” Ross Valory’s bass lines and the band’s overall sound played a significant role in making Journey one of the biggest rock bands of all time.

Apart from his work with Journey, Ross has also collaborated with artists like Steve Miller, Sammy Hagar, and The Vu. He has also worked as a solo artist and has released two albums, ‘Gregg Rolie’ and ‘The Storm.’

Personal Life

Ross Valory has been married twice and has two daughters from his first marriage. He is widely known for his friendly and outgoing personality and loves interacting with his fans. Ross is an avid golfer and enjoys playing the sport in his leisure time.

Illness and Death

Thankfully, Ross Valory is still alive and well. There have been no reports of any serious illnesses or injuries. Ross announced his retirement from Journey in 2020 after being fired from the band for a disagreement with fellow band members Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon over a cover band lawsuit, which he is now countersuing.

Real Estate

Ross Valory has not disclosed any details about his real estate holdings. However, being a musician for over four decades, he must have invested his money wisely in properties.

Legacy

Ross Valory’s legacy as one of the greatest bassists in the history of rock music is undisputed. His contributions to Journey’s sound have made him a household name. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career and has left an indelible mark on the rock music scene.

FAQs

What is Ross Valory’s most famous song?

Ross Valory co-wrote some of Journey’s most popular songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Stone in Love,” and “Any Way You Want It.” However, “Don’t Stop Believin'” is arguably the band’s most famous song and one of the most recognizable songs in the world.

What is Ross Valory’s primary source of income?

Ross Valory’s primary source of income is his music career. He has earned a significant sum of money from his albums, tours, and collaborations with other artists. Ross Valory’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

When did Ross Valory join Journey?

Ross Valory joined Journey in 1978. He worked with the band for over three decades and recorded several hit albums like ‘Escape,’ ‘Frontiers,’ and ‘Raised on Radio.’ Ross co-wrote some of Journey’s most popular songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Stone in Love,” and “Any Way You Want It.”

Is Ross Valory still alive?

Yes, Ross Valory is still alive. There have been no reports of any serious illnesses or injuries. Ross announced his retirement from Journey in 2020 after being fired from the band for a disagreement with fellow band members Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon over a cover band lawsuit, which he is now countersuing.

Has Ross Valory won any awards?

Yes, Ross Valory has won numerous awards throughout his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey in 2017. He has also won several Grammy awards and other industry recognitions.

What kind of bass guitar does Ross Valory play?

Ross Valory mainly plays Fender Precision Bass guitars. However, he has also used other brands like Music Man, Sadowsky, and Lakland.

What is Ross Valory’s musical style?

Ross Valory’s musical style is rooted in classic rock and roll. He is known for his powerful bass lines and groovy rhythms, which have helped define Journey’s sound. Ross’s style is characterized by his use of pentatonic scales, arpeggios, and syncopated rhythms.

Has Ross Valory worked with any other artists?

Yes, Ross Valory has collaborated with several other artists throughout his career. He has worked with Steve Miller, Sammy Hagar, and The Vu, among others. He has also worked as a solo artist and has released two albums, ‘Gregg Rolie’ and ‘The Storm.’

What is Ross Valory’s retirement plan?

Ross Valory announced his retirement from Journey in 2020. However, he has not disclosed any details about his retirement plans. It is likely that he will continue to play music and collaborate with other musicians.

Who are Ross Valory’s influences?

Ross Valory’s influences include bassists like John Entwistle of The Who, Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Jack Bruce of Cream, and James Jamerson of Motown. Ross has also cited classical music as a significant influence on his bass playing.

What was Ross Valory’s role in Journey?

Ross Valory was the bassist for Journey for over three decades. He played a crucial role in defining the band’s sound and co-wrote some of Journey’s most popular songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Stone in Love,” and “Any Way You Want It.”

What is Ross Valory’s signature bass line?

Ross Valory’s bass line for “Any Way You Want It” is widely considered his signature bass line. The catchy riff has become synonymous with Journey’s sound and is one of the most recognizable bass lines in rock music.

What is Journey’s biggest-selling album?

Journey’s biggest-selling album is ‘Escape,’ which was released in 1981. The album has sold over ten million copies worldwide and spawned several hit songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Who’s Crying Now.”

What is Ross Valory’s favorite Journey album?

Ross Valory has not disclosed which Journey album is his favorite. However, he has spoken about how much he enjoyed making the ‘Escape’ album and how proud he is of the work he did on that album.

What is Ross Valory’s favorite song to play live?

Ross Valory’s favorite song to play live is “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The song has become an anthem for Journey fans worldwide and is always a highlight of the band’s live shows.

What was the cover band lawsuit that led to Ross Valory’s departure from Journey?

Ross Valory was fired from Journey in 2020 following a disagreement with fellow band members Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon over a cover band lawsuit. Ross and former drummer Steve Smith were accused of infringing on Journey’s trademark by performing under the name ‘Journey through Time.’ Ross is now countersuing his former bandmates over the matter.

Conclusion

Ross Valory is a legendary bassist whose contributions to Journey’s success are immeasurable. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Ross has remained a humble and dedicated musician throughout. His legacy as one of the greatest musicians in the history of rock music is undoubtedly secure.