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David Gates, legendary frontman of the soft rock band Bread, has a net worth of $3 million as of 2024. Born on December 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, David Gates achieved fame with timeless hits like Make It with You, If, and Baby I’m-a Want You.
As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he crafted most of Bread’s iconic songs, earning substantial royalties and chart success. In the late 1970s, David Gates transitioned to a quieter life on his ranch in Mount Vernon, Washington, with his wife, Jo Rita Gates, and their four children. Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, David Gates remains a music icon with a lasting legacy.
Quick Facts About David Gates
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | David Ashworth Gates |
| Birth Date | December 11, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Education | Will Rogers High School; University of Oklahoma |
| Net Worth (2024) | $3 million |
| Career Roles | Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Frontman of Bread |
| Major Hits | Make It with You, If, Baby I’m-a Want You |
| Spouse | Married to Jo Rita Gates |
| Children | Father of four |
| Current Residence | Mount Vernon, Washington |
| Genres | Soft Rock, Pop |
Family and Personal Life
David Gates married his high school sweetheart, Jo Rita Gates, and they have four children together. Despite his fame, Gates has maintained a low-profile personal life, focusing on his family and ranching.
What Is David Gates’s Net Worth in 2024?
David Gates’s net worth of $3 million is largely derived from his work in the music industry, with royalties from Bread’s hits, his solo career, and ongoing sales of his music catalog.
Key Financial Breakdown
- Music Royalties: Gates continues to earn from timeless hits like Make It with You and If, which still enjoy airplay on streaming platforms and in media.
- Album Sales: With Bread earning multiple gold albums, including Baby I’m-a Want You and The Best of Bread, album sales have been a significant source of wealth.
- Music Licensing: His songs frequently appear in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
- Other Ventures: Gates invested in a cattle ranch in the late 1970s, transitioning to a quieter but financially sustainable lifestyle.
Compared to peers like Pat Boone or Leon Russell, David Gates’s net worth reflects a modest but respectable accumulation of wealth, grounded in his artistic contributions and prudent choices.
Early Life and Education of David Gates
Born on December 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, David Gates grew up in a musically-inclined family. His father, Clarence Gates, was a band director, while his mother, Wanda Rollins, was a piano teacher. This early exposure to music shaped Gates’s passion and talent.
- High School Years: At Will Rogers High School, Gates honed his musical skills and played with local bands. He even worked with future legends like Elvis Presley and Pat Boone during his early years in Tulsa.
- Higher Education: Gates briefly attended the University of Oklahoma, studying music while balancing his early ventures into songwriting and producing.
The Beginnings of His Music Career
During the late 1950s and 1960s, Gates moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. Here, he gained recognition as a studio musician and producer.
- Notable Early Work: Gates co-produced the hit song Popsicles and Icicles by The Murmaids, which became a top-charting single in 1963.
- Collaborations: Gates worked with major artists like Captain Beefheart, Boy George, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Frank Sinatra, showcasing his versatility as a producer and composer.
Formation and Success of Bread
In 1968, David Gates formed Bread, a soft rock band that became one of the most iconic groups of the 1970s. Alongside Robb Royer and Jimmy Griffin, Bread released their self-titled debut album in 1969, marking the beginning of a successful run.
Bread’s Major Hits and Achievements
- Chart Success: Songs like Make It with You (a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit), If, and Baby I’m-a Want You cemented Bread’s status in pop music history.
- Gold Albums: The band earned multiple gold records, with albums like Baby I’m-a Want You and The Best of Bread becoming commercial successes.
- Cultural Impact: Bread’s music defined the soft rock genre, influencing artists like Elton John and James Taylor.
David Gates’s Contribution to Bread’s Achievements
As the lead vocalist and principal songwriter, Gates was the driving force behind Bread’s success. His heartfelt lyrics and melodic compositions resonated with audiences worldwide.
Signature Songs by David Gates
- Make It with You: Bread’s first No. 1 hit and a defining soft rock anthem.
- If: A timeless ballad that remains popular at weddings and romantic occasions.
- Baby I’m-a Want You: Another chart-topper showcasing Gates’s signature style.
Solo Career and Music Productions
After Bread’s breakup in the late 1970s, Gates embarked on a successful solo career, releasing albums like First and Never Let Her Go. His solo work, while not as commercially dominant as Bread, still featured memorable hits.
- Hit Singles: Songs like Goodbye Girl gained traction, especially after being featured in the movie of the same name.
- Production Work: Gates also focused on producing and collaborating with artists across genres, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.
Collaborations with Major Artists
Throughout his career, Gates collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including:
- Pat Boone and Leon Russell during his early career in Tulsa.
- Frank Sinatra and Engelbert Humperdinck, showcasing his skills as a producer and arranger.
These partnerships broadened Gates’s influence and added to his legacy as a versatile musician.
Awards and Recognitions
David Gates’s career is marked by several accolades, including:
- Induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame with Bread.
- Numerous gold and platinum albums for Bread’s chart-topping hits.
- Recognition for his songwriting contributions, which helped define the soft rock genre.
David Gates’s Legacy in Music and Pop Culture
David Gates’s music continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and universal appeal. His work with Bread and as a solo artist has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Pop Culture Presence
- Bread’s songs frequently appear in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
- Gates’s influence on artists like Boy George and Elton John underscores his impact on the music industry.
Life After Fame: David Gates’s Transition to Ranching
In the late 1970s, Gates stepped away from the spotlight to focus on his family and a quieter life. He invested in a cattle ranch in Mount Vernon, Washington, where he currently resides.
This transition reflects Gates’s down-to-earth personality and his desire to balance music with personal fulfillment.
FAQs
Where does David Gates live?
David Gates lives a quiet life on his cattle ranch in Mount Vernon, Washington. He moved there in the late 1970s after stepping away from the music industry to focus on his family and ranching.
What is the net worth of David Gates?
As of 2024, David Gates’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million. This wealth comes from his successful career as a musician, songwriter, and producer, along with royalties from his work with Bread and his solo projects.
Did David Gates write his own songs?
Yes, David Gates wrote the majority of his own songs. He was the primary songwriter for Bread, crafting iconic hits like Make It with You, If, and Baby I’m-a Want You. His ability to write deeply emotional and relatable lyrics played a significant role in Bread’s success and his own solo career.
Are any members of the band Bread still alive?
Yes, David Gates and Robb Royer are still alive as of 2024. Sadly, Jimmy Griffin, another founding member of Bread, passed away in 2005. Gates and Royer remain icons of the soft rock era.
Where do the Gates family live?
The Gates family resides on their cattle ranch in Mount Vernon, Washington, a serene and private location where David Gates has focused on family life and ranching since stepping back from the spotlight.
Why is the band called Bread?
The name Bread was inspired by the simplicity of the word and its universal significance. In an interview, David Gates explained that the band chose the name after seeing a bread truck drive by during a brainstorming session. The name also symbolized sustenance and connection, which aligned with the band’s vision for their music.
When did David Gates get rich?
David Gates began amassing wealth in the 1970s, during Bread’s peak years. Hits like Make It with You and Baby I’m-a Want You propelled the band to commercial success, earning Gates significant income from record sales, concert tours, and royalties.
Who owns the most expensive house?
While this question doesn’t pertain to David Gates, the world’s most expensive house is Buckingham Palace in London, valued at approximately $4.9 billion. Among private homes, Antilia, owned by Mukesh Ambani in India, is considered the most expensive private residence.
How rich are the Gates children?
David Gates’s children have largely stayed out of the public eye, and their personal finances are not publicly disclosed. Gates’s focus on ranching and a quiet life suggests a modest upbringing for his children, compared to more extravagant lifestyles associated with celebrity families.
Is David Gates of Bread Still Alive?
Yes, David Gates, the legendary frontman of Bread, is still alive as of 2024. Now in his early 80s, he leads a quiet life on his ranch in Mount Vernon, Washington, away from the public spotlight.
Does David Gates have a son?
Yes, David Gates has a son. In total, he has four children with his wife, Jo Rita Gates. However, Gates has kept details about his children private, as he prefers to maintain a low profile regarding his personal life.
Conclusion
David Gates, the legendary frontman of Bread, has a net worth of $3 million in 2024. Born on December 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gates rose to fame with Bread’s soft rock hits like Make It with You, If, and Baby I’m-a Want You. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he wrote most of the band’s iconic songs, earning ongoing royalties.
Gates transitioned to a quiet life on his Mount Vernon, Washington ranch in the late 1970s, focusing on family with his wife, Jo Rita Gates, and their four children. Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Gates’s influence on pop culture and music remains timeless, showcasing his immense talent and enduring legacy.
