Neil Giraldo is a popular guitarist, record producer, songwriter, and arranger well-known for his diverse work in the music industry. Having been in the industry for many decades, he has worked with some great artists over the years while also performing and writing for various projects. Giraldo is the recipient of some of the top awards and is one of the finest record producers and songwriters over the years.
With such a great start to his journey, Neil was offered many opportunities which he welcomed with open arms along with working with singer Pat Benatar, who went on to become his wife. With the immense popularity of musicians in the industry, let's discuss more about how he has managed to maintain such great success over the decades in this biography.
Played In Local Bands At 14
Neil Thomas Giraldo was born on December 29, 1955, to Sicilian parents Anthony Giraldo and Angela Giraldo in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He had a very supportive mom and dad who motivated and encouraged his passion for music. Neil Giraldo's father and mother bought him his first guitar when he was only six years old.
Neil Giraldo's older sister Priscilla Giraldo was also into music as she played the accordion from a young age. Both siblings often played Italian songs for family and friends after church. Likewise, the talented musician started playing in local bands at 14, venturing into nightclubs with his four-year-older uncle Tim Giraldo, who sang while Neil played guitar.
Neil Giraldo's parents were very supportive of his career from a young age. Image Source: Neil Giraldo Instagram.
Neil used to sing songs inspired by revolutionary bands of the 60s and 70s. A man of multiple talents, Giraldo, early on, found unique ways to utilize his potential as he started writing different parts for himself within the tracks he made music for various artists. He also made a habit of playing piano along to Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis Records along with drums to Simon & Garfunkel albums in a way to explore different rhythms.
Andrew Weatherall Biography - Musician, DJ, And Remixer
What Is Neil Famous For?
Neil has established himself as one of the well-known music personalities. Having released several records with over 45 million record sales, he can be considered as one of the unforgettable personalities in the music sector. The record producer mainly came into the limelight as the musical partner of veteran singer, Pat Benatar.
The duo began working together in 1979 and later became partners in their personal life too.
Neil Giraldo Net Worth - $40 Million
Giraldo started his professional music career in the late 70s as a member of the Rick Derringer band after competing alongside 200 fellow guitarists for the position. With 16 studio albums and 11 singles, Neil has established himself as one of the best musicians of the last two decades or so. Not just that, he is also involved in various businesses. Hence, Neil Giraldo's net worth is estimated to be $40 million, combined with his celebrity wife.
Neil provided both his guitar and piano skills for Derringer in the 1979 recording of Guitars and Women. Later that year, he was introduced to Benatar by Mike Chapman. Benatar had recently signed a contract with Chrysalis Records as Chapman felt the need for a musical director/partner for her vocals' could only be fulfilled by Giraldo's creation of identifiable and powerful music. So, over the years, he has produced some of Pat's biggest hits including Love Is A Battlefield and We Belong.
Moreover, Giraldo has written, produced, and arranged more than 100 songs and has helped create many massive hits for Benatar. Soon, the world was introduced to the brilliant partnership of the duo in rock 'n' roll love affair via her platinum 1979 debut album called The Heart Of The Night, including the classic Heartbreaker as well as hit We Live For Love. Pat Benatar's husband has also made albums for John Waite, Rick Springfield, Kenny Loggins, Steve Forbert, The Del Lords, and Beth Hart, among many others.
Soon, Benatar and Giraldo were famous in radios, jukeboxes, turntables, TVs, and car stereos around the world throughout the 80s and more. They sold millions of copies of their twelve original albums which also include two live records and an anthology. Hence, the Ohio-born musician has produced every of Benatar's albums but two. Altogether, they have sold a total of 45 million albums worldwide. Likewise, they must have earned from ticket sales of the tours.
Apart from the album sales, he also earned from the sales of merches which are listed on his website.
Here are some of Neil Giraldo's merches with their prices:
| Product | Price |
| 2022 De Novo Hoodie | $60 |
| Wings Tee | $35 |
| 2022 De Novo Tour Tee | $35 |
| Wings Tee | $35 |
| 1979-2022 Tee | $35 |
Table Source: Benatar-Giraldo Official Website
Apart from music, Neil has been investing in real estate for a long time. Neil and his wife sold their Maui home in 2017 for $3.2 million. They also owned more than an acre of an empty lot which they sold for $400,000. Likewise, in 2007, they purchased just under 10 acres of land in Malibu, California for $1.675 million, which is their primary residence and is currently worth $10 million.
Furthermore, Giraldo owns at least two other properties in Malibu, one of which they sold for $4.5 million in 2003. They sold another one in 1999 for $3 million. So, in total, the duo's real estate worth is at least $10-$15 million. Hence, Neil Giraldo's net worth of $40 million is certainly plausible.
Happily Married For Four Decades
Having collaborated with each other for such a long time, it did not take long for the pair to tie the knot. Just three years after meeting, Giraldo married his beautiful beau Patricia Mae Giraldo on February 20, 1982. As mentioned above, Neil Giraldo's wife is a rock singer who has won four Grammy Awards.
During the time the couple met, they were under a recording contract with Chrysalis, and both of them were entwined with other people. Neil was dating actress Linda Blair, while the singer was going through a divorce process from her first husband Dennis T. Benatar. As the composer suspected his then-lover of cheating on him, Pat was right there to console him which certainly had something to do with their upcoming romance.
Neil Giraldo and his wife has collaborated in a lot of albums ever since they met in 1979. Image Source: Social Media.
Likewise, Giraldo's breakup certainly created a new chance for a new love life for both of them. Neil Giraldo's wife announced the news of their marriage with the media expressing how happy she was. The couple must be extremely pleased with each other as they have been married for many decades.
Has Two Daughters
The star couple increased their family from two to four after some time of their marriage. Neil Giraldo's eldest daughter Haley Giraldo was born on February 16, 1985. Haley has followed in her parents' footsteps as she is a rock singer-songwriter. Moreover, she has also appeared in some reality TV shows.
Haley must have made a massive fortune herself as she is a successful Instagram star and also does some modeling work. She is married to her model husband Matt Williams and has made Neil and Pat grandparents too.
Likewise, Neil Giraldo's second daughter Hana Giraldo was born on March 12, 1994. She is a singer, social media influencer, actress, and fashion designer. She has released several songs including 2 Hits and Tote-Gimme that Bass. Her acting credentials include The Lit Party and A Christmas Cruise, among others. She made her cinema debut with the 2019 movie Slasher Party.
Neil Giraldo's daughters are involved in the music and acting industry and have been pretty successful. Image Source: Neil Giraldo Instagram.
Neil has achieved a lot in his life and with the collaboration with his wife, he has reached great heights. The duo has made quite a leap in their careers and has maintained a sustainable balance in their personal life as well. Being one of the most iconic couples, they are considered a dream duo in the music community.
Trivia And Facts
- Neil has a collection of almost 100 guitars.
- He composed the movie Smile.
- He was inducted into the Rock 'n' roll Hall of Fame in 2022 along with his wife.
- His nickname is Spyder James.
