Ross Valory is an American musician with an estimated net worth of $10 million. He is best known as the longtime bassist for the legendary rock band Journey, playing on many of the group’s most successful albums and helping create some of classic rock’s biggest hits. During his decades with the band, Valory contributed to multiplatinum records that sold millions of copies worldwide, generating substantial income through album sales, touring and royalties.
In addition to Journey, Valory has performed with groups including The Storm, Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch, while also launching a solo career later in life.
| Ross Valory Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | San Francisco, California |
Early life
Ross Lamont Valory was born on February 2, 1949, in San Francisco, California, and grew up in nearby Lafayette.
Music became part of his life at an early age. Inspired by his mother’s diverse record collection, he developed an appreciation for classical, jazz, rock and soul music. He learned to play several instruments, including piano, guitar, clarinet and bass clarinet, while also singing in church and competitive choir groups during his childhood.
While attending Acalanes High School, Valory joined his first band, marking the beginning of what would become a decades-long music career.
Journey breakthrough
Before joining Journey, Valory played with the psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch and later contributed to the Steve Miller Band album Rock Love.
His connection with Journey came through mutual industry contacts, leading him to become one of the band’s original members during its formative years in the mid-1970s.
Journey initially established itself as a progressive rock group before achieving mainstream success with the arrival of vocalist Steve Perry. Valory’s bass playing became a key element of the band’s signature sound across a string of blockbuster albums.
Among the band’s most successful releases were:
- Infinity (1978)
- Evolution (1979)
- Departure (1980)
- Escape (1981)
- Frontiers (1983)
- Trial by Fire (1996)
- Revelation (2008)
The 1981 album Escape became Journey’s commercial breakthrough, topping the Billboard 200 and producing timeless classics such as Don’t Stop Believin’, Open Arms and Who’s Crying Now.
Valory performed on nearly every Journey studio album, missing only Raised on Radio (1986) and Freedom (2022).
Career outside Journey
Following Journey’s hiatus during the late 1980s, Valory remained active in music.
He joined fellow former Journey members Gregg Rolie and Steve Smith to form The Storm, which released two studio albums during the 1990s. He also collaborated with other artists and musicians while continuing session work.
After rejoining Journey in the mid-1990s, Valory participated in the band’s successful reunion, contributing to several albums and extensive international tours that introduced Journey’s music to a new generation of fans.
In 2024, he released his debut solo album, All of the Above, showcasing his work outside the iconic rock group.
Departure from Journey
In 2020, Valory and drummer Steve Smith exited Journey following a highly publicized legal dispute involving companies connected to the band’s business operations.
The lawsuit alleged that the pair attempted to gain control of a corporate entity they believed owned Journey’s trademarks and intellectual property. However, ownership of the band’s name rested with another company controlled by Journey members Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain and former vocalist Steve Perry.
The dispute was eventually resolved through an amicable settlement, bringing an end to Valory’s second tenure with the band.
Awards
Throughout his career with Journey, Valory helped the band earn numerous accolades and commercial milestones.
Journey has received:
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Multiple platinum and diamond-certified albums
- Grammy and American Music Award nominations
- Billboard’s Legend of Live Award
The band’s signature song, Don’t Stop Believin’, has become one of the most enduring rock songs of all time and was added to the U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
Personal life
Ross Valory married Diane Oakes in 1971. Her poem, Wheels in My Mind, inspired the lyrics that eventually evolved into Journey’s hit song Wheel in the Sky.
Following their divorce, Valory married his current wife, Mary.
Despite spending much of his career on the road, he has generally maintained a private personal life away from the spotlight.
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