Barry Hankerson Net Worth, Early Life, Career, And Personal Life

In this article, we will discuss Barry Hankerson net worth. Barry Hankerson is an American music executive, entrepreneur, and former record producer. He is best known for founding the record label, Blackground Records, which launched the careers of successful R&B and hip-hop artists such as Aaliyah, Timbaland, and Tank. Hankerson was also Aaliyah’s manager and mentor, and he played a significant role in developing her music career. His net worth is $10 million.

Barry Hankerson Early Life

Barry Hankerson was born on August 3, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the youngest of nine children in a family that was heavily involved in the music industry. His mother owned a record store, and his older brother, Alonzo Hankerson, was a successful gospel music producer. 

As a young man, Hankerson attended Wayne State University in Detroit, where he studied political science. After college, he worked in politics, serving as the campaign manager for the mayoral campaign of Detroit’s first black mayor, Coleman A. Young.

Hankerson’s early experiences in the music industry came through his brother’s work in gospel music. Alonzo Hankerson produced music for many prominent gospel artists, and Barry often helped out with various tasks, including promoting and selling records.

Barry Hankerson Career

Barry Hankerson’s career in the music industry spans several decades and includes a variety of roles, including entrepreneur, record producer, and talent manager.

In 1989, Hankerson founded Blackground Records, a subsidiary of Jive Records, which went on to become an independent label in 1991. Blackground Records was accountable for establishing the careers of several successful R&B and hip-hop artists, including Aaliyah, Timbaland, and Tank.

Hankerson played a significant role in developing and promoting these artists, and he was particularly close to Aaliyah, whom he managed and mentored throughout her career.

As a record producer, Hankerson was involved in the production of several notable albums, including Aaliyah’s debut album, “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,” which he produced in 1994. He also produced tracks for other Blackground Records artists, as well as for artists outside of the label.

In addition to his work in the music industry, Hankerson has been involved in various other business ventures, including real estate development and investment. He has also been involved in politics, serving as the campaign manager for the mayoral campaign of Detroit’s first black mayor, Coleman A. Young.

Hankerson’s career has been marked by controversy, particularly in the wake of Aaliyah’s death in a plane crash in 2001. He has been criticized by some for his handling of Aaliyah’s music and legacy, and he has been involved in legal battles with streaming services and others over the rights to her music.

Barry Hankerson Net Worth

Barry Hankerson net worth is $10 Million. It is net worth noting that much of Hankerson’s wealth may be tied up in his assets and investments, as well as the rights to the music and other intellectual property associated with Blackground Records and the artists he has worked with.

Barry Hankerson Personal Life

Barry Hankerson has largely kept his personal life out of the public eye, and little is known about his current personal life. However, he has been involved in several notable personal and professional relationships throughout his life and career. Barry Hankerson was married to Gladys Knight in October 1974. The two were married for several years before eventually divorcing in 1979.

Conclusion

Barry Hankerson is a music industry executive and entrepreneur who was born on August 3, 1947. He is best known for his work as a music producer and for founding Blackground Records, a record label that was active from the early 1990s until the mid-2010s. Barry Hankerson net worth is $10 million.

Hankerson’s legacy, however, has been marked by controversy and legal battles over the rights to Aaliyah’s music and other issues, which has led to criticism and scrutiny of his actions as a manager and label head. Despite the controversies, Hankerson’s contributions to the music industry and the artists he has worked with are undeniable, and his impact continues to be felt in the industry.