Meshell Ndegeocello Net Worth, Age, Height, Career, Family, Bio 2025

Meshell Ndegeocello, born Michelle Lynn Johnson on August 29, 1968, is an American singer-songwriter, bassist, poet, and musician known for her genre-blending music incorporating funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and rock.

She has been a trailblazer in the music industry, with her unique sound credited for helping spark the neo-soul movement. Throughout her career, she has been nominated for eleven Grammy Awards and has won two, solidifying her status as one of the most influential artists of her time.

In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Meshell Ndegeocello, including her net worth, career, biography, early life, height, weight, family, relationships, physical appearance, awards, albums, and lesser-known facts that make her an iconic figure in the music industry.

Meshell Ndegeocello Short Details

Early Life and Career

Meshell Ndegeocello was born in West Berlin, Germany, to an African-American father, Jacques Johnson, who was a U.S. Army Sergeant Major and saxophonist, and a healthcare worker mother, Helen. She grew up in Washington, D.C., where she attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Oxon Hill High School.

Early Career

She started her music career in the D.C. go-go circuit, playing with local bands like Prophecy, Little Benny and the Masters, and Rare Essence. Her breakthrough came when she signed with Maverick Records in the early 1990s, making her one of the first artists signed to Madonna’s label.

Her debut album, “Plantation Lullabies” (1993), was a major success, showcasing her unique blend of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and soul. The album received four Grammy nominations, including Best R&B Album.

Rise to Fame

• In 1994, she collaborated with John Mellencamp on the hit song “Wild Night,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts.
• Her self-written track “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night)” became another notable hit.
• She had a No. 1 dance hit in 1996 with a cover of Bill Withers’ “Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?”.
• Over the years, she has worked with major artists like Madonna, Chaka Khan, The Rolling Stones, Indigo Girls, Herbie Hancock, Alanis Morissette, and Robert Glasper.
• She contributed to numerous film soundtracks, including “Love & Basketball,” “Love Jones,” “Batman & Robin,” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”.

Recent Works

• In 2023, she joined Blue Note Records and released “The Omnichord Real Book”, inspired by her father’s jazz influences.
• In 2024, she won the Best Alternative Jazz Album Grammy for “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin.”
• She has also hosted “A Shot of Rhythm and Blues” on SiriusXM, discussing The Beatles’ influence on Black music.

Family and Relationships

Meshell Ndegeocello is bisexual and was previously in a relationship with feminist author Rebecca Walker. She has two sons, one from a previous relationship and another with her wife, Alison Riley, whom she married in 2005.

Physical Appearance

Meshell Ndegeocello has a bold and androgynous appearance, often sporting a shaved head and a strong, confident stage presence. She is 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs around 70 kg (154 lbs).

Meshell Ndegeocello Net Worth and Income Sources (2025 Updated)

Meshell Ndegeocello has had a successful career spanning over three decades, earning through album sales, touring, collaborations, licensing music for films, and streaming revenue.

Lesser-Known Facts

1. Her last name, Ndegeocello, means “free like a bird” in Swahili.
2. She was one of the first openly bisexual artists in mainstream music.
3. She played bass on Madonna’s song “I’d Rather Be Your Lover”.
4. She was supposed to perform with Tupac Shakur, but his verse was removed due to legal issues.
5. Her song “Who Is He and What Is He to You?” was featured in “Jerry Maguire.”
6. She has worked as a judge for the Independent Music Awards.
7. She was a part of the Red Hot Organization, raising awareness for AIDS.
8. She created a theatrical music project dedicated to James Baldwin in 2016.
9. She has been featured on Gov’t Mule, The Rolling Stones, and Robert Glasper’s albums.
10. She performed at the Lilith Fair festival in the late 1990s.

FAQs About Meshell Ndegeocello

Q: What is Meshell Ndegeocello’s most famous song?
A: Her biggest hit is “Wild Night” with John Mellencamp.

Q: How many Grammy Awards has she won?
A: She has won two Grammy Awards and has been nominated eleven times.

Q: Is Meshell Ndegeocello married?
A: Yes, she has been married to Alison Riley since 2005.

Q: What was her first album?
A: Her debut album was “Plantation Lullabies” (1993).

Q: What is her latest album?
A: Her most recent album is “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin” (2024).

Conclusion

Meshell Ndegeocello is a trailblazing musician and poet, known for breaking barriers and shaping neo-soul, funk, and alternative jazz. With an influential career spanning over three decades, she continues to inspire musicians worldwide. Her unique sound, fearless activism, and genre-defying music make her an icon in contemporary music.

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NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from reliable sources.