Dave Koz Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Dave Koz is a Grammy-nominated American saxophonist, composer, record producer and radio personality — celebrated for his smooth-jazz hits, enduring career, and influence on contemporary jazz.

Introduction

Dave Koz — born David Stephen Koz on March 27, 1963 — has become one of the most recognizable names in smooth jazz. Over a career spanning decades, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations, topped jazz charts, hosted radio shows, and built a loyal global following. His estimated net worth is around US$6 million, and he is openly gay, having shared this publicly in 2004. 

This article provides a detailed look at Dave Koz’s personal life, financial standing, and the journey behind his success — offering a narrative-rich profile for fans and readers alike.

Quick Facts

From Tarzana to the World: The Story Behind His Rise

Growing up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, Koz was born into a family with a medical background — his father a dermatologist, his mother a pharmacist — yet his upbringing was steeped in music. His older brother Jeff was already a musician, and the family’s record collection exposed Dave to a broad range of influences from jazz to rock. 

He attended William Howard Taft High School in Woodland Hills, where he played saxophone in the jazz band. Music remained a side pursuit when he studied mass communications at UCLA, graduating in 1986. But a few weeks after graduation, he made a bold decision: to try music professionally — giving himself six months to “see if I can get something going with music.” That gamble paid off. 

Within weeks, he was recruited to tour with singer Bobby Caldwell, and soon after with keyboardist Jeff Lorber, and pop-rock singer Richard Marx. By 1989, Koz signed with Capitol Records and began to transition from rock saxophone to smooth jazz — a move that would define his career. 

Defining moments in Dave Koz’s journey include:

• Being hired to tour with Bobby Caldwell shortly after college graduation. 

• Transitioning from rock to smooth jazz and signing with Capitol Records around 1989. 

• Releasing his self-titled debut album in 1990 and later the gold-certified “Lucky Man” (1993).

• Creating a multi-faceted career by founding a record label, hosting radio shows, and launching annual jazz cruises. 

His trajectory — from a young musician in L.A. to a smooth-jazz staple — reflects both talent and tenacity, guided by passion for melody and a willingness to evolve.

The Core Pillars of Dave Koz’s Wealth

The financial foundation beneath Dave Koz’s career is built on several distinct — and overlapping — streams:

• Studio albums and live performances: Koz’s albums — including major releases like Lucky Man, The Dance, Saxophonic, and At the Movies — have sold well and driven touring revenue.

• Radio and media presence: His radio shows — including “The Dave Koz Radio Show” and a syndicated slot on LA’s 94.7 The Wave — as well as television appearances, have expanded his earning base. 

• Entrepreneurship and business ventures: Koz co-founded a record label, Rendezvous Entertainment, and established a live music venue combined with a restaurant, Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge. 

These pillars — music output, media engagement, and business ventures — cumulatively support his status as a multimillion-dollar artist and entrepreneur.

Relationships & Personal Life

While Koz keeps his personal life generally private, some aspects are public and meaningful:

• In April 2004, Koz publicly came out as gay. 

• He has lived in Sausalito, California since 1990. 

Key insights into Dave Koz’s relationships and personal life:

• His public coming out signaled authenticity and courage at a time when many musicians remained closeted. 

• His family — including an older brother Jeff (also a musician) and sister Roberta — provided early musical exposure and support. 

• Despite a long public career, Koz appears to prioritize privacy: there are no widely reported details about a long-term partner or marriage.

Beyond Career: Lifestyle, Interests & Philanthropy

Beyond chart-topping albums and tours, Dave Koz leads a life shaped by artistry, entrepreneurship, and generosity:

• He co-founded Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge — a venue that combines dining and live music, reflecting his commitment to live jazz culture. 

• He serves as a global ambassador for the Starlight Children's Foundation, using his platform to support children with serious illness or injury. 

• His longtime collaboration with instrument-maker Yamaha underscores his affection for musical craftsmanship: Koz favors a silver-plated Yamaha alto saxophone and other Yamaha instruments. 

These aspects show that Koz’s life extends beyond fame and revenue to community, creativity, and compassion.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While exact figures can vary, the most widely cited estimate puts Dave Koz’s net worth at approximately US$6 million. 

Here is a simplified breakdown of the contributors to his wealth:

Note: These are rough, illustrative values — not official audited figures. The estimate comes primarily from public-domain sources, such as celebrity net worth aggregators, and may not reflect all private holdings. 

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Dave Koz stands out in the jazz world for more than his saxophone prowess.

• He has achieved international recognition: multiple chart-topping albums, nominations for prestigious awards (including the Grammy Awards), and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

• His embrace of authenticity — namely, publicly coming out in 2004 — has earned him respect and made him a visible LGBTQ figure in jazz, contributing to representation in a genre often perceived as traditional. 

• Through business ventures like his music lounge and philanthropic work with Starlight Children’s Foundation, he has shown a commitment to community and arts beyond personal gain — enhancing his legacy as both an artist and a benefactor. 

• For many fans and musicians, Koz represents the possibility of longevity: evolving with the times, yet staying true to the soulful, melodic heart of smooth jazz.

Conclusion

Dave Koz’s journey — from a young saxophonist in suburban Los Angeles to a celebrated international jazz artist — reflects talent, boldness, and heart. With a full birthdate of March 27, 1963 and a birthday each year on March 27, he has built a career spanning decades, earning respect, fans, and a solid estimated net worth of US$6 million.

His story is not just about charts and albums but about embracing identity, creating community, and using music as a lasting voice. For listeners and aspiring musicians alike, Dave Koz’s life is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the timeless power of melody.