Boz Burrell Net Worth

What was Boz Burrell's net worth?

Boz Burrell was an English musician who had a net worth of $500 thousand at the time of his death. Boz Burrell was best known for his work with two influential rock bands: King Crimson and Bad Company. Though he began his career as a rhythm-and-blues singer with a deep love for jazz, Burrell eventually made his greatest mark as the steady, understated bassist behind Bad Company's muscular rhythm section. Over the span of more than three decades, he played on some of the most recognizable rock records of the 1970s and became a key contributor to the sound and feel of two very different yet equally significant bands.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Raymond "Boz" Burrell was born on January 1, 1946, in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England. He began singing in the early 1960s and quickly made a name for himself in the British blues and jazz club circuits. A gifted vocalist with a warm tone and natural charisma, he formed his own group called Boz People, which supported rising acts like The Who and Moody Blues on tour.

In the mid-1960s, Burrell joined several other projects, including Feel For Soul and The Tea Time 4, before recording a series of solo singles for EMI. Though these early releases didn't find mainstream success, they demonstrated Burrell's range as both a crooner and an energetic frontman. He also worked briefly with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who would later go on to form Deep Purple.

King Crimson

In 1971, Burrell joined the progressive rock band King Crimson during a transitional and experimental period for the group. Initially brought in as a vocalist, he was quickly asked to switch to bass after original bassist Rick Kemp departed. Though he had never played the instrument before, Burrell taught himself the basics under the guidance of guitarist and bandleader Robert Fripp and percussionist Ian Wallace.

The lineup, which also included saxophonist Mel Collins, recorded the album Islands in late 1971. While it was a departure from King Crimson's earlier, more aggressive sound, Islands featured a more jazz-inflected, pastoral approach that highlighted Burrell's versatility. He also toured extensively with the group during this period, but creative tensions led to the lineup dissolving in early 1972.

Bad Company

Burrell's next and most commercially successful chapter began in 1973 when he became a founding member of Bad Company, alongside vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke from Free, and guitarist Mick Ralphs from Mott the Hoople. The band was one of the first signed to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song label and quickly became one of the biggest rock acts of the decade.

As bassist, Burrell provided a solid, no-frills foundation that perfectly complemented Kirke's drumming and allowed Rodgers and Ralphs to shine. He played on all six of the original Bad Company studio albums, including the chart-topping debut Bad Company (1974), Straight Shooter (1975), and Run with the Pack (1976). His work can be heard on classics like "Can't Get Enough," "Shooting Star," "Feel Like Makin' Love," and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy."

Burrell's musical instincts and subtle jazz influences gave the band's music an understated groove that elevated their blues-rock sound. While he never sought the spotlight, his contributions were crucial to the group's tight, polished sound.

Getty

Later Years

After the original Bad Company lineup disbanded in the early 1980s, Burrell played in a variety of smaller projects, including The Shortlist (with Roger Chapman), Nightfly, and The Tam White Band. He reunited with former bandmates on several occasions, including for brief Bad Company tours in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Burrell remained an active musician throughout his later life, continuing to explore his first love, jazz, through collaborations and club gigs. He also kept in close touch with former bandmates and maintained a reputation as one of the most easygoing and affable musicians of his era.

Death and Legacy

Boz Burrell died suddenly of a heart attack on September 21, 2006, at the age of 60, while rehearsing for a tour with friends in Spain. His death was a shock to the rock community, particularly his former bandmates, who praised his musicianship and warmth.

Though he often played a supporting role, Burrell's impact on rock music is significant. He seamlessly bridged the worlds of jazz, prog rock, and hard rock, and his bass work remains a key ingredient in some of the genre's most enduring anthems. From the experimental landscapes of King Crimson to the stadium-sized swagger of Bad Company, Boz Burrell's legacy lives on in the grooves he laid down and the bands he helped define.

Who's Richer?

Boz
Burrell

Compare!

Mick
Ralphs