Dee Dee Bridgewater is a legendary American jazz singer and actress with a career that spans over five decades. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Known for her dynamic voice, energetic performances, and dedication to jazz, Bridgewater has earned critical acclaim, prestigious awards, and a loyal fan base around the world.
Born as Denise Eileen Garrett on May 27, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, she was exposed to music at an early age, largely due to her father, who was a trumpet player and music teacher. She grew up in Flint, Michigan, where she began singing in church choirs and local events, developing a strong passion for music.
Early Life and Education
Dee Dee’s love for music started in childhood. Her father, Matthew Garrett, was a jazz trumpet player and a teacher at Manassas High School in Memphis. Music filled her home, and this early exposure shaped her musical identity.
She attended Michigan State University on a scholarship, originally pursuing a degree in pre-law. However, her growing love for jazz eventually led her to drop out and follow her passion. Later, she also attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, continuing her musical journey through local performances and jazz bands.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
In the late 1960s, Dee Dee Bridgewater moved to New York City, where she began performing with jazz bands and caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the industry. One of her early big breaks came in 1970, when she performed as an opening act for the legendary Thelonious Monk during his European tour.
This tour launched her international career and introduced her to the global jazz scene. In the years that followed, she performed with iconic artists such as Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dexter Gordon.
Musical Achievements and Awards
Bridgewater has released over 20 albums, many of which have received both critical and commercial success. Her blend of jazz, blues, R&B, and funk, combined with her powerful voice and expressive stage presence, made her a standout performer.
She has won three Grammy Awards, including:
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Best Jazz Vocal Album for Dear Ella (1997)
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Best Jazz Vocal Album for Eleanora Fagan (1915–1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee (2011)
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Best Jazz Vocal Album for Live at Yoshi’s (1999)
In addition to her Grammys, she also won a Tony Award in 1975 for her performance as Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway musical The Wiz. Her theatrical talent was widely praised, making her a rare artist who has succeeded in both music and acting.
Acting Career and Stage Performances
Besides her recording career, Dee Dee Bridgewater has had a strong presence on stage and television. Her performance in The Wiz earned her major recognition. She later appeared in musicals, plays, and television specials, including a well-received role in The Wiz Live! TV production.
Her acting abilities have allowed her to diversify her talents, and she has been nominated for various theatre and music awards throughout her career.
Humanitarian Work and Social Contributions
Bridgewater is also recognized for her humanitarian efforts. She served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), promoting global food security and sustainable agriculture. She has used her voice not just for music but also to advocate for social justice, mentoring young musicians and participating in charitable events worldwide.
Personal Life and Family
Dee Dee Bridgewater has been married three times. Her first husband was trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, with whom she had a son named Gabriel Bridgewater. Her second marriage was to French director Gilbert Moses, with whom she had a daughter, Tulani Bridgewater-Kowalski, who is now a successful music producer and manager.
In recent years, she was romantically linked with Dutch jazz trumpeter Theo Crocker, but their relationship details remain private.
Bridgewater prefers to keep her personal life out of the spotlight, but it’s known that her family has played a significant role in supporting her career.
Business Ventures and Other Projects
Apart from her music and acting career, Dee Dee has ventured into business and lifestyle projects. She co-owns a vineyard in France named La Tulipe Noire, where she produces wine under her personal label. This vineyard not only reflects her refined taste but also her entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2017, she launched a line of designer shoes called Dee Dee Bridgewater by André Paris, which received attention for its elegant designs and connection to jazz culture.
Social Media Presence
Even in her 70s, Bridgewater remains active on social media. She uses platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with fans, promote new music, and share personal insights from her life and travels.
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Instagram: 32.8K followers
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Facebook: 89K followers
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Twitter: 11.1K followers
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YouTube: 6.02K subscribers
Her strong online presence helps her stay connected with a new generation of jazz fans.
Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Dee Dee Bridgewater’s net worth is $2 million. This wealth comes from:
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Album sales
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Live concert tours
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Broadway and acting roles
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Business ventures like her vineyard and shoe line
While some celebrities amass large fortunes through endorsements, Bridgewater’s wealth is largely a result of hard work, talent, and consistency in her craft.
Dee Dee Bridgewater Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.95 million |
| 2023 | $1.9 million |
| 2022 | $1.8 million |
| 2021 | $1.7 million |
| 2020 | $1.6 million |
Physical Appearance and Personal Traits
Dee Dee Bridgewater is known for her bold fashion sense and iconic bald look, which she adopted later in her career. Her appearance reflects her confidence and uniqueness as an artist.
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Height: 5 feet 5 inches (166 cm)
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Hair Color: Bald
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Eye Color: Brown
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Age: 73 (as of 2025)
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Zodiac Sign: Gemini
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Nationality: American
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Sexual Orientation: Straight
Legacy and Influence
Bridgewater’s influence in the jazz community is massive. She has not only contributed as a performer but also as a radio host, introducing jazz music to wider audiences through her program “JazzSet” on NPR.
Her role as a mentor to young musicians, especially women in jazz, solidifies her legacy as a cultural leader and role model.
Interesting Facts About Dee Dee Bridgewater
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She won both a Grammy Award and a Tony Award, a rare feat in the entertainment industry.
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She lived in Paris, France, for over two decades, embracing European jazz scenes and cultures.
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She speaks fluent French.
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Dee Dee Bridgewater’s daughter, Tulani, manages her music career.
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She continues to tour internationally, especially in jazz festivals in Europe and Asia.
Conclusion
Dee Dee Bridgewater’s journey is a testament to artistic excellence, resilience, and passion. With a career that blends music, theatre, business, and humanitarian efforts, she remains one of the most respected figures in jazz. As of 2025, her net worth of $2 million reflects not just her financial success, but her enduring impact on the world of music.
Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians, especially women of color, showing that with talent and dedication, one can achieve greatness in any field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dee Dee Bridgewater’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, her net worth is approximately $2 million.
How many Grammy Awards has she won?
She has won three Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
What was her biggest Broadway success?
She won a Tony Award for her role as Glinda in the Broadway musical The Wiz in 1975.
Is Dee Dee Bridgewater still performing?
Yes, she continues to perform at jazz festivals and concerts around the world.
Has she acted in movies or television?
Her acting career is mostly stage-based, but she has appeared in several television specials and live musicals.
