David Hood Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

David Hood is a seminal American session musician and bass guitarist whose influence helped define the Muscle Shoals sound in soul, R-B, rock, and pop music.

David Hood has woven his bass lines into some of the greatest recordings of the 20th century while building a modest yet enduring legacy that blends artistry and longevity.

A Timeless Beat: Overview of David Hood’s Life and Legacy

David Hood was born September 21, 1943 in Sheffield, Alabama — a place that would become synonymous with a musical revolution.  From the early days of session work at FAME Studios to co-founding the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio with his fellow “Swampers,” Hood’s journey has been one of steady creative influence rather than headline-grabbing fame. Alongside his expansive body of work, his net worth is estimated at around $1 million, largely drawn from decades of session performing, touring, and royalties — a figure widely cited in celebrity net worth estimates.

In his personal life, Hood has been married to Judy Sockwell Hood, and he’s also known as the father of musician Patterson Hood.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Where It All Started: A Musician Rooted in Alabama

David Hood’s story begins in Sheffield, Alabama, a small town whose musical heartbeat would come to resonate across the world. Born into a family with a deep appreciation for music, Hood gravitated toward performance early, first picking up trombone in school and later embracing bass guitar by his teens. 

From there, his path led to FAME Studios — then a burgeoning creative hub — where Hood’s versatility as both a bassist and trombonist quickly made him a first-call session player. What might’ve been a steady regional gig turned into a vibrant career that spanned genres and generations. 

Defining moments in David Hood’s journey include:

• Joining the influential Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (“The Swampers”), a collective whose groove shaped hits across rock, soul, and R&B.

• Co-founding Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in 1969 with fellow musicians, creating an epicenter for some of the most iconic recordings of the 20th century. 

• Recording and performing with artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Traffic, Paul Simon, and Bob Seger. 

The Sound That Built a Legacy: David Hood’s Wealth & Work

The core pillars of David Hood’s wealth include:

• Session Work and Recording Credits: Hood’s bass appears on recordings by Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Percy Sledge, Traffic, Paul Simon, and many others, continuing to earn royalties and recognition decades later. 

• Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: While not as monetarily lucrative as global pop stardom, co-founding one of the most storied recording studios gave Hood a foundational role in American music history.

• Live Tours & Collaborations: From studio sessions to live performances with The Waterboys and other acts, Hood’s work extended into touring and global collaborative projects.

David Hood Relationships & Personal Life

Hood’s personal life reflects a long-standing commitment to family and music. Married to Judy Sockwell Hood, his family life also intersects with music through his son, Patterson Hood, who became a celebrated musician and co-founder of the Drive-By Truckers. 

Key insights into David Hood’s relationships and personal life:

• Built a family while pursuing a demanding career as a session player.

• His son Patterson’s success in rock underscores a familial musical legacy. 

• Known within his community for his mentorship and contributions to the Muscle Shoals music scene. 

Lifestyle, Instruments & Interests

Beyond career success, David Hood’s lifestyle has been defined by his passion for music and dedication to his craft:

• Bass Guitar Mastery: Hood’s signature bass lines helped define the Muscle Shoals sound, often using classic Fender and Alembic basses in sessions. 

• Session Diversity: Equally at home in soul, rock, blues, and pop sessions, his adaptability made him a go-to collaborator.

• Recognition & Honors: Hood’s induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame reflects his enduring cultural impact.

Breaking Down the Numbers: David Hood Net Worth Explained

While not one of the highest-earning musicians in industry charts, Hood’s influence and earnings are solidly rooted in decades of work that continue to be valued. Below is a timeless overview of how his net worth is shaped:

Public Image & Enduring Influence

David Hood is not just a musician’s musician — he’s a cornerstone of a sound that bridged racial and genre divides during a critical era of American music. Though not a mainstream celebrity, his influence is recognized by peers, historians, and music lovers worldwide. 

His legacy isn’t just measured in recordings but in the countless artists he supported and the musical moments he helped define. Hood remains a vivid example of how a session player can become a cultural pillar without ever dominating pop charts.

Closing Notes: The Steady Groove of a Lifetime

From his birthdate on September 21, 1943 to his decades of performances and contributions to recording history, David Hood embodies the power of consistent artistry over flash. His estimated net worth, meaningful relationships, and the rhythm he brought to some of popular music’s most memorable moments tell a story of quiet influence and enduring passion.