As of 2025, Neal Schon has an estimated net worth of $30 million. He’s best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the famous rock band Journey.
With a career spanning over four decades, Schon has played a key role in creating some of the most memorable songs in rock music history.
His talent shines not only through his guitar skills but also through his songwriting and production work.
Neal Schon Wiki Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Neal Joseph Schon |
| Born | February 27, 1954, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma |
| Parents | Matthew Schon (father), Barbara Schon (mother) |
| Ethnicity | German and Italian ancestry |
| Height | 5’9″ (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 141 lbs / 64 Kg |
| Profession | American rock guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist |
Neal Schon is a famous musician known for his work as the lead guitarist of Journey. He was born on February 27, 1954. His father played music professionally and inspired him to start playing guitar at age ten.
He attended Aragon High School in California but left school to follow his passion for music. Over the years, he became well-known for his talent in rock music and has been part of many successful bands.
Schon’s mixed heritage includes German and Italian backgrounds. This diversity may influence his unique style in music. As he continues to perform with Journey and other groups, he remains an important figure in the rock scene today.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Neal Schon was born on February 27, 1954, at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. His parents, Matthew and Barbara Schon, had a passion for music. His father played the big band music scene and taught reed instruments. His mother sang in big bands. This musical background influenced Neal’s early life.
At age 10, he started playing the guitar. He showed talent quickly and enjoyed playing music. He attended Aragon High School in San Mateo, California. However, his love for music led him to drop out of school to focus on his career.
Schon began working with different bands during his teenage years. He joined Santana as a young guitarist after meeting Carlos Santana in 1969.
This experience helped him grow as a musician and laid the groundwork for his future success with Journey.
Family and Education
Neal Schon was born on February 27, 1954, at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. His family background played an important role in his music career. His father, Matthew Schon, was a musician known for playing jazz tenor saxophone and teaching various reed instruments. His mother, Barbara Schon, sang in big bands. This musical environment helped shape Neal’s early interest in music.
Neal has both German and Italian ancestry. He attended Aragon High School in San Mateo, California. However, he left high school to focus on his music career when he was young. By age 10, he started playing guitar and quickly showed talent as a musician.
This decision set him on the path to becoming a successful guitarist with Journey and other bands throughout his long career.
Professional Career
Neal Schon is a famous American rock guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist. He has had a long and successful career in music.
Early Career
Born on February 27, 1954, at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, Schon started playing guitar when he was just 10 years old. His parents, Matthew and Barbara Schon, were musicians; this played an important role in his early musical life.
Santana
At the age of 17, Schon joined the band Santana in 1971. He performed on albums like Santana III and Caravanserai. Playing with Santana helped him grow as a musician.
Journey
In 1973, he co-founded the rock band Journey. With Journey, he gained worldwide fame through hit songs like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.” The band’s success contributed significantly to his net worth.
Other Collaborations
Schon also worked with bands like Bad English and Hardline. These collaborations added to his earnings over the years.
Solo Work
He released several solo albums that showcase his talent outside of Journey. This solo work further increased his income while allowing him to explore different styles of music.
Neal Schon’s dedication to music has led him to be an active performer for more than four decades. His skills as a guitarist and songwriter continue to resonate with fans around the world.
Neal Schon Net Worth and Income Streams
Neal Schon’s net worth is estimated between $30 million and $50 million as of 20235and 2025.
- Music Performance and Touring: The main source of Neal Schon’s income comes from his work with Journey. This rock band has been one of the most successful in history, performing for decades. Their tours contribute greatly to Schon’s wealth.
- Record Sales and Royalties: Schon earns a significant amount from the sales of Journey’s albums. Many of these albums achieved multi-platinum status, generating substantial revenue through record sales and royalties.
Neal Schon’s financial success stems from his long-standing music career, particularly through Journey’s remarkable achievements.
Business Ventures and Investments
Neal Schon has built his wealth not only through music but also through various business ventures and investments. His estimated net worth of around $30 million shows how successful he has been in these areas.
Music-Related Ventures
Schon co-founded the band Journey in 1973, which remains a primary source of income. He earns money from album sales, tours, and royalties from hit songs like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.” These tracks are popular worldwide, contributing to his financial success.
Collaborations with Other Bands
In addition to Journey, Schon played with other groups such as Santana and Bad English. Each collaboration adds to his earnings, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist. These experiences broadened his musical reach and increased his fan base.
Solo Projects
Schon’s solo projects also play a role in boosting his net worth. He released several albums that highlight his unique style outside of Journey. This expansion into solo work provides another stream of income for him.
Investments Outside Music
Beyond music, Schon has made investments that contribute to his financial standing. Although specific details about these investments are not widely publicized, many artists often invest in real estate or businesses related to their interests.
Overall, Neal Schon’s diverse career spans music performance and smart business choices that help maintain a high net worth while ensuring long-term security for himself and future generations.
Neal Schon Age, Weight, and Height
Neal Schon is 70 years old as of 2024. He was born on February 27, 1954, in Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Neal Schon’s weight is approximately 141 lbs (64 kg).
Neal stands at a height of 1.75 meters or 5 feet 7 inches (5′ 7″).
His age, weight, and height contribute to his dynamic stage presence as a guitarist and performer with Journey and other bands throughout his career.
Neal Schon Spouse and Relationship
Neal Schon has been married multiple times throughout his life. His first wife was Tena Austin. He then married Beth Buckley in 1987.
After that, he tied the knot with Dina Gioeli in 1993. His fourth marriage was to Amber Kozan in 2001, but they divorced in 2008.
Currently, Neal Schon is married to Michaele Salahi. The couple reconnected in September 2011 after dating during the 1990s.
They got engaged at a charity concert held at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, Maryland. Their wedding took place in December 2013 at the Palace of Fine Arts located in San Francisco, California.
Conclusion
Neal Schon’s impressive net worth of $30 million to $50 million is a testament to his remarkable career in the music industry.
His contributions to Journey and his collaborations with other artists illustrate his versatility and talent as a guitarist.
Schon’s dedication to his craft has not only earned him financial success but also solidified his place as an influential figure in rock music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neal Schon’s net worth as of 2025?
Neal Schon’s net worth is estimated to be between $30 million and $50 million. This wealth comes from his successful music career with Journey, collaborations, solo albums, and business ventures.
When was Neal Schon born?
Neal Schon was born on February 27, 1954, at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. His musical upbringing significantly influenced his career path.
How did Neal Schon start his music career?
Schon began playing guitar at age 10 and dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time. He joined Santana in 1971 before co-founding Journey in 1973.
What are some famous songs by Journey featuring Neal Schon?
Some iconic songs by Journey that feature Neal Schön include “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.” These hits have solidified the band’s place in rock history.
Is Neal Schon still active in the music industry?
Yes, Neal Schon remains active in the music industry as a lead guitarist for Journey. He continues to perform and engage audiences worldwide with his dynamic performances.
Has Neal Schon collaborated with other artists?
Yes, besides Journey, Neal has collaborated with various artists including Santana, Bad English, and Hardline. These collaborations have helped expand his reach and earnings.
What influences did Neil Schon’s family background have on him?
Growing up in a musically-influenced family—his father being a professional musician—greatly impacted Schon’s passion for music and shaped his early development as an artist.
How does touring contribute to Neal Schon’s income?
Touring is a significant source of income for Neil Schön due to Journey’s extensive tours. The band’s popularity ensures substantial revenue from ticket sales during these events.
What personal life details are known about Neal Schon?
Neal Schon has been married multiple times; currently, he is married to Michaele Salahi. They reconnected after many years and wed in December 2013.
