Billy Cox Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Billy Cox is an American bassist recognized for his pivotal role alongside Jimi Hendrix and a decades-long career in rock and R&B.

Introduction

William “Billy” Cox (birthdate: October 18, 1941) emerged from humble beginnings in Wheeling, West Virginia, to become one of the most respected bassists in rock history. Best known for his work with Jimi Hendrix—both in the Army and later during the legendary Woodstock era—his story is one of friendship, musical intuition and perseverance. According to available estimates, Billy Cox net worth stands around US $5 million.  While Cox remains intensely private about his personal affairs, reports suggest he is married, though his spouse’s name and details have not been publicly disclosed. 

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

From Army Barracks to Global Stages

Billy Cox’s journey did not follow an overnight flash of fame, but rather a winding, consistent rise. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he grew up in Pittsburgh where his mother was a church pianist and his uncles played saxophone—so his musical roots were strong. 

While stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in the early 1960s, he first met Jimi Hendrix in the Army’s paratrooper unit. The meeting was almost cinematic: a rainstorm, a service-club club and a guitar riff drifting through a window. “My name is Billy Cox,” he told Hendrix—and the two quickly hit it off. 

As they left military service, the two men played clubs in Clarksville and Nashville and formed the band the King Kasuals. Their chemistry set the stage for later collaborations. 
Defining moments in Billy Cox’s journey include:

• Meeting Jimi Hendrix at Fort Campbell and forming a lifelong musical friendship.

• Joining Hendrix’s band for the Woodstock festival performance and the Gypsy Sun & Rainbows ensemble.

• Becoming bassist in the trio that created the live album Band of Gypsys (with Hendrix and Buddy Miles) and helping evolve Hendrix’s sound. 

• Sustaining a long career as a touring, recording and session musician, and earning induction into multiple halls of fame. 

The Core Pillars of Billy Cox’s Wealth

The foundation of Billy Cox net worth is built not from one hit single or a short-term contract but from multiple enduring income streams:

• Royalties & credits from decades of recording with Hendrix and other major artists.

• Touring income from tribute and legacy bands such as the Band of Gypsys Experience and Experience Hendrix Tour.

• Session work and collaborations across R&B, blues and rock genres.

• Music-publishing and licensing from historic recordings.

Although exact values are rarely detailed, the primary pillars of his financial picture are clear.

Relationships & Family Life

Billy Cox has maintained a decidedly private personal profile, and little of his romantic or family life has been shared publicly. Available biographical sources note that he is married, but they do not name his spouse or specify children. 

Key insights into Billy Cox’s relationships and personal life:

• He prides himself on loyalty and long-term connection, evidenced by his friendship and musical partnership with Hendrix. 

• He has resisted commercializing personal details, preferring to keep his family matters away from the public eye.

• His sense of mentorship and generosity toward younger musicians has been widely noted in interviews.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond his career success, Billy Cox leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• An active touring schedule well into later years, playing for dedicated fans and legacy circuits.

• A deep interest in bass guitar technique and historic instruments; for example, he has discussed using a Fender Precision Bass in the studio and a Jazz Bass live. 

• Involvement in memorabilia, archival releases and legacy architecture around Hendrix-era recordings.

• While specific details of homes, cars or luxury assets are not widely publicized, his lifestyle suggests a focus on music and legacy rather than ostentation.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Here is a breakdown of Billy Cox’s financial picture based on available public estimates:

It is worth noting that such figures are approximate and may not account for all liabilities or private transactions. Cox’s net worth remains modest in the context of music legend peers, but his enduring career, consistent touring and preserved legacy mean he continues to monetize one of rock’s most storied narratives. Over time, catalog reissues and licensing may further bolster his financial position.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Billy Cox’s public image is defined by humility, craftsmanship and a steadfast dedication to the music. As the only surviving musician who regularly played with Jimi Hendrix, his position is unique in rock history. 

He is regularly featured in documentaries, bass-player forums and musician interviews—often as the voice of experience who brings clarity and perspective to the Hendrix era. For example, in recent coverage, his bass work on “Izabella” was highlighted as pivotal. 

His influence spans:

• Bassists who study Hendrix-era recordings and note Cox’s R&B-rooted feel.

• Music historians who place him at the heart of the transition between 1960s psychedelic rock and modern fusion of blues, jazz and rock.

• Fans who view his longevity and integrity as a model for sustaining a career beyond a single explosive moment.

In short, his legacy is not simply the recordings he made, but the continuity he brings to a musical lineage that many thought had been lost.

Conclusion

In tracing the arc of Billy Cox—from a young soldier meeting Jimi Hendrix in a service club to a bassist whose bass-lines still resonate in rock history—we see a story of purpose, dedication and quiet accomplishment. With his birthdate of October 18, 1941, and his birthday annually celebrated, Billy Cox embodies a chapter of music history that blends friendship, innovation, and perseverance. His estimated net worth of approximately US $5 million reflects not just past glories but a sustained career built on integrity. While his relationships remain intentionally private, his musical connections are profound and enduring. In a world of fleeting fame, Billy Cox stands as a testament to what it means to build legacy through humility, craft and steady evolution.