How Maurice Starr Increased His Net Worth
Maurice Starr net worth is estimated at $40 million. Maurice Starr is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer best known for creating and producing two of the most successful boy bands in music history: New Edition and New Kids on the Block. His work behind the scenes as a producer and songwriter helped generate tens of millions of album sales worldwide, making him one of the most influential figures in pop and R&B music.
| Maurice Starr Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1953 |
| Place of Birth | DeLand, Florida |
Early Life
Maurice Starr was born Larry Curtis Johnson on July 14, 1953, in DeLand, Florida. He was raised in a musical household—his mother played the organ at church, while his father was a trumpet player. As a young adult, Johnson relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, where his music career would take shape.
The Johnson Brothers and the Jonzun Crew
Starr began his career performing with his brothers Michael and Soni Johnson in the groups The Johnson Brothers and later The Jonzun Crew. The Jonzun Crew, an electro-funk group influenced by Afro-futurism, released its debut album Lost in Space in 1983. The album featured popular tracks such as “Pack Jam (Look Out for the OVC)” and “Space Is the Place.”
The group followed up with additional albums, Down to Earth (1984) and Cosmic Love (1990), helping Starr gain early industry experience and recognition.
Solo Career as Maurice Starr
In 1980, Larry Johnson adopted the stage name Maurice Starr and launched a solo R&B career. He released two albums, Flaming Starr and Spacey Lady, but neither achieved commercial success. Afterward, Starr shifted his focus from performing to writing, producing, and developing talent, a decision that would significantly impact his net worth.
New Edition
Maurice Starr’s net worth began to grow rapidly after discovering New Edition in Boston. In 1982, he saw the group perform at the Hollywood Talent Night at the Strand Theatre. Although they placed second, Starr was impressed enough to bring them into the studio the following day.
He served as producer, arranger, and mixer on New Edition’s debut album, Candy Girl (1983), which produced hit singles like:
- “Candy Girl”
- “Is This the End”
- “Popcorn Love”
Despite the album’s success, financial disputes led to Starr and New Edition parting ways in 1984.
New Kids on the Block
After leaving New Edition, Starr created New Kids on the Block, a pop group modeled after New Edition but aimed at a broader mainstream audience. The group’s breakthrough came with the album Hangin’ Tough (1988), which sold over 14 million copies worldwide and reached number one on the Billboard 200.
Starr wrote and produced multiple hit singles, including:
- “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”
- “Please Don’t Go Girl”
- “Cover Girl”
- “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)”
He also wrote and produced the group’s 1990 album Step by Step, which topped charts in both the U.S. and the UK. New Kids on the Block went on to sell over 80 million albums worldwide, forming the foundation of Maurice Starr’s $40 million net worth.
Other Artists and Production Work
Following his success with New Kids on the Block, Starr attempted to replicate that formula with other artists. He formed the R&B trio Perfect Gentlemen, who scored a hit with “Ooh La La (I Can’t Get Over You)” but never reached superstar status.
Throughout the 1990s, Starr produced and wrote music for artists such as:
- Tiffany
- Ana
- Homework
- Classic Example
- Tommy Page
While these projects were less commercially successful, they contributed to his long-term earnings and industry legacy.
Maurice Starr Net Worth
Maurice Starr net worth is estimated to be $40 million.
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