Alan Price Net Worth, Height, Wife, Children And More

Alan Price remains one of Britain’s most recognisable musical figures, best known as the original keyboardist of The Animals and an influential solo artist, composer, and television personality. His distinctive organ sound helped shape rock history, and his long career continues to attract high-intent searches in 2025.

Qucik Facts About Alan Price

Early Life & Origin Story

Alan Price was born on 19 April 1942 in Fatfield, Washington, County Durham. He grew up in a working-class environment where music was treated as a personal craft rather than a professional ambition. His early environment was modest, shaped by a local culture where community gatherings and live musical traditions influenced children early.

Price began teaching himself piano at age seven. There were no formal tutors or conservatory lessons. His progress came from instinct, repetition, and listening closely to the rhythm and blues records circulating in Northern England during the post-war years. This formative period created the foundation for his later signature organ tone.

The turning point in his youth came when he discovered the emerging British rhythm and blues scene. By his mid-teens, he was playing local gigs and gaining recognition for his unusual command of electric keyboards. His technical skill and confidence set him apart from other young musicians in the region.

Around this time, Price became deeply immersed in American R&B artists. His influences included Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker, exposing him to soulful progressions and improvisational styles that he later adapted for British audiences. His musical development was rapid, and by the early 1960s he was already positioned to join the growing wave of British rock musicians.

Price attended Jarrow Grammar School, although academic pursuits never became his main direction. Music quickly took priority. His self-direction, combined with the energy of the local live circuit, became the spark for a career that would reshape British rock.

Career & Rise to Fame

Alan Price began his professional journey by forming the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo in the early 1960s. This group would evolve into The Animals, one of the most pivotal rock and R&B bands of the British Invasion era. His distinct organ work became the group’s signature sound.

Breakthrough With The Animals

The Animals’ rise was fast and intense. Their interpretation of “House of the Rising Sun,” featuring Price’s iconic electric organ arrangement, became an international hit. The song reached No. 1 in the US and UK, and Price’s organ performance was central to its haunting and instantly recognisable sound.

During this period, Price performed alongside Eric Burdon, who fronted the band during their peak success. The Animals’ name reportedly originated from their raw live performances, which aligned with their blues-driven identity. Price stood out as the band’s musical engine, shaping arrangements and chord structures that elevated their early catalogue.

However, Price left The Animals in 1965. Reports attribute this to personal and musical disagreements, as well as Price’s well-known fear of flying, which made extended touring difficult. His exit marked the transition to the next stage of his career.

The Alan Price Set and Solo Direction

Following his departure, Price founded The Alan Price Set, a group that blended R&B, jazz, and pop structures. This era produced several charting singles, including:

• “Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear”
• “The House That Jack Built”
• “Don’t Stop the Carnival”

His solo momentum increased as he embraced a more diverse sound. Price also began experimenting with television and film projects, expanding his artistic influence.

Television and Early Collaborations

In the late 1960s, Price hosted the BBC series Price To Play, which showcased rising acts such as Fleetwood Mac and Jimi Hendrix. His role as a presenter introduced him to a wider audience beyond music fans, and he became a recognised personality in British households.

Price also became closely associated with Georgie Fame, collaborating on the 1971 Top 20 hit “Rosetta” and performing with Fame on The Two Ronnies. Their chemistry offered a fresh sound that combined soul, pop, and blues elements.

Film Scoring and “O Lucky Man!”

The next major career milestone came in 1973. Price composed the score for the film O Lucky Man! directed by Lindsay Anderson. His work on the soundtrack earned critical acclaim and eventually led to the 1974 BAFTA Award for Best Film Music. He also appeared on screen performing several of the film’s musical sequences, enhancing his reputation as a multi-disciplinary artist.

Other film and stage projects followed, including Between Today and Yesterday (1974), an autobiographical album that examined his Northern roots. This period solidified Price as not only a musician but also a storyteller and critic of British social identity.

Later Career and Continued Influence

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Price released more than 20 solo albums, each exploring different musical directions. He continued touring and appearing on television. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 as part of The Animals officially recognised his role in shaping the course of modern rock.

Price maintained a lower public profile in the 2000s and 2010s, though he reportedly continued performing selective concerts. His influence persists through cover versions, film re-releases, and digital streaming, which have introduced his music to new generations.

What Is Alan Price’s Net Worth?

As of 2025, Alan Price’s net worth is publicly estimated at approximately $4 million USD. This figure is derived mainly from public entertainment datasets such as Celebrity Net Worth, which track historical royalties, public appearances, and licensing income.

No credible Forbes or Bloomberg valuation exists for Price due to his status as a legacy artist rather than an active commercial performer in recent decades.

Income Sources Include:

• Music royalties from The Animals catalogue
• Royalties from solo albums and singles
• Film scoring revenue
• Performance fees
• Licensing for film and television
• Publishing rights for compositions

Several unofficial websites list substantially higher figures (up to $30–40 million), but these estimates lack documentation. Price has not released financial disclosures, and no major financial publication has reported a precise valuation.

The conservative public estimate remains the most reliable benchmark as of 2025.

Personal Life & Relationships

Alan Price has remained relatively private compared to many British musicians of his era. He married Alison Thomas in 1990. The couple has one child. Previous relationships have rarely been discussed publicly, and he tends to avoid interviews that focus on personal matters.

Price has described his family as supportive but detached from the entertainment spotlight. His wife and child have not pursued public careers. His earlier years were spent primarily in Northern England, though he later moved closer to the cultural centres that supported his film and television work.

He has occasional acting credits and has appeared in various British productions over the decades. Personal hobbies are not well-documented, and Price is generally viewed as an artist who prioritised creative output over celebrity status.

Controversies

Alan Price has experienced relatively few controversies throughout his career. His public life has been quiet, and he is not associated with major legal or professional scandals.

Documented disputes include:

• Band disagreements: Price’s departure from The Animals in 1965 was attributed to creative differences, interpersonal conflict, and logistical challenges. These issues were widely reported but never escalated into legal action.
• Royalty attribution: There have been historical claims from fans and commentators regarding royalty splits for “House of the Rising Sun,” as Price was credited as the arranger. These criticisms were never legal disputes and remain part of the band’s long-standing internal narrative.

Price has not been publicly accused of criminal misconduct or major ethical breaches. His career is largely characterised by steady professionalism and low-profile personal conduct.

FAQs

Who is Alan Price?
Alan Price is a British musician best known as the original keyboardist of The Animals.

How old is Alan Price?
Alan Price is 82 years old as of 2025.

What is Alan Price’s net worth?
Alan Price’s estimated 2025 net worth is around $4 million.

When was Alan Price born?
He was born on 19 April 1942 in County Durham, England.

Is Alan Price still alive?
Yes, Alan Price is alive as of 2025.

Why did Alan Price leave The Animals?
He left in 1965 due to personal differences and his well-known fear of flying.

What is Alan Price famous for?
He is famous for his organ performance on “House of the Rising Sun.”

Is Alan Price married?
Yes, he has been married to Alison Thomas since 1990.

Does Alan Price have children?
Yes, Alan Price has one child.