Andre Harrell Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Andre Harrell was an American music executive, record label founder, and cultural strategist whose vision helped bring hip-hop and R&B into mainstream entertainment.

Andre Harrell was born September 26, 1960, in New York City, a formative environment for the birth of hip-hop culture. He rose from an aspiring artist to a pioneering industry executive, founding Uptown Records and shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in music. At the time of his passing in May 2020, his estimated Andre Harrell net worth was around $50 million, built through record label success, executive roles, and multimedia ventures.

Quick Facts at a Glance

A Visionary Emerges from the Bronx’s Beat

Andre Harrell’s story is rooted in the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City. Born and raised in the Bronx and Harlem, he came of age alongside hip-hop’s earliest pioneers. His Andre Harrell age/birthdate anchored him in a generation that bridged street culture with commercial opportunity.

Harrell began his artistic journey as a member of the rap duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, an early hip-hop act known for the track “Genius Rap.” This experience immersed him in the realm of performance and established his network in the emerging music scene. 

Defining moments in Andre Harrell’s journey include:

• Innovating the fusion of hip-hop and R&B aesthetics in the late 1980s.

• Founding Uptown Records in 1986 under a joint venture with MCA, which became a launchpad for groundbreaking artists.

• Rising to executive roles beyond music, including film and television production deals.

The Pillars of His Wealth

The core pillars of Andre Harrell’s wealth include:

• Uptown Records Leadership — As founder, he steered a roster of hit-making artists whose commercial success translated into label profitability.

• Executive Roles — Harrell served as president/CEO of Motown Records, bringing his A&R expertise to an iconic label.

• Multimedia Ventures — Production credits include the film Strictly Business and the TV series New York Undercover, extending his influence beyond music. 

These pursuits collectively underpin the widely cited Andre Harrell net worth estimate of approximately $50 million at the time of his death, a figure highlighted by financial profiles and industry estimates.

Relationships & Personal Life Behind the Title

While Harrell’s professional achievements often took center stage, his personal life had its own chapters. He was married to Wendy Credle, a music attorney, with whom he had a son, Gianni Credle-Harrell. Their family life was kept relatively private, typical of Harrell’s preference to let his work and influence speak loudly in the public sphere.

Key insights into Andre Harrell’s relationships and personal life:

• Maintained a long-term relationship with Wendy Credle, resulting in one son. 

• Known among peers for mentorship and fostering professional bonds within the music community. 

Beyond Business: A Lifestyle of Influence

Beyond his executive titles and boardroom impact, Andre Harrell embodied a lifestyle that blended creativity with leadership. His approach to branding, image, and cultural relevance helped redefine how urban music was marketed and consumed. 

Highlights of Harrell’s broader interests and lifestyle:

• Cultivated a signature blend of sophistication and street sensibility in artist image. 

• Pioneered multimedia integration — bringing music, fashion, film, and television into a cohesive entertainment identity.

• Embraced mentorship, guiding emerging executives who would become influential movers in the industry.

Breaking Down His Wealth

Below is a broad conceptual breakdown of how Harrell’s estimated net worth was composed:

(Note: These figures are illustrative and based on available financial reporting and industry estimation.)

Legacy, Public Image & Cultural Influence

Andre Harrell’s imprint on culture transcends dollar figures. As the founder of Uptown Records, he pioneered a sound and style that helped mainstream R&B and hip-hop fusion — a foundation that shaped today’s musical landscape. 

Harrell’s influence is often reflected in how modern executives and artists navigate cross-platform branding and cultural storytelling. His legacy resonates in the careers he helped launch and in the pathways he carved for subsequent generations of music entrepreneurs.

In Summary: A Life Defined by Innovation

Andre Harrell’s story is one of creative foresight and cultural leadership. Born September 26, 1960, his birthday marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey — from rap artist to influential executive, storyteller, and industry architect. His estimated Andre Harrell net worth of around $50 million reflects decades of contributions across music, film, television, and brand building. His personal life, marked by his relationship with Wendy Credle and his role as a father, remained grounded even as his professional impact soared. Harrell’s legacy continues to echo through the artists and innovators who followed paths he helped forge.