What is Walter Afanasieff's Net Worth?
Walter Afanasieff is a Russian-Brazilian music producer and songwriter with a net worth of $100 million. As a highly successful figure in the music industry, Afanasieff has produced and written songs for numerous acclaimed artists, most notably Mariah Carey. He co-wrote and produced Mariah's timeless classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which has generated over $100 million in royalties to date.
Afanasieff collaborated with Mariah Carey on her first six studio albums during the 1990s. He also achieved tremendous commercial success with the soundtrack for "The Bodyguard" and Celine Dion's single "My Heart Will Go On." He has worked with a variety of artists including Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, Luther Vandross, and Kenny G.
All I Want For Christmas
In 1994, Walter and Mariah Carey crafted the holiday hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You." This song has become a Christmas staple, dominating airwaves every November and December. It has sold over 15 million copies and remarkably hit #1 on Billboard in 2019, 25 years after its initial release, generating more than $100 million in royalties and annually earning $600,000 to $1 million for Walter and Mariah.
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My Heart Will Go On
In 1997, Walter produced Celine Dion's iconic song "My Heart Will Go On," which won multiple awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe, and several Grammys, including the 1999 Grammy for Record of the Year. This track stands as one of the best-selling singles in history.
Early Life
Walter Afanasieff was born Vladimir Nikitich Afanasiev on February 10, 1958, in São Paulo, Brazil, to Russian parents. Moving later to the United States, Afanasieff's passion for music flourished early on, even stating in high school his ambition to "write and play better than Keith Emerson."
Career Beginnings
Afanasieff started his career as a jazz musician in 1980, playing keyboards with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. He later formed the group Warriors with guitarist Joaquin Lievano and drummer Narada Michael Walden. Walden, also a producer, hired Afanasieff as a producer and arranger, leading to their collaboration on Whitney Houston's 1985 debut album. They co-wrote pop songs, including "Licence to Kill," the James Bond film's title track.
Mariah Carey Collaborations
Afanasieff is renowned for his work with Mariah Carey on her first six studio albums. He co-wrote numerous hits, including "Hero," "My All," "Butterfly," and the holiday favorite "All I Want for Christmas is You." Their collaboration "One Sweet Day" with Boyz II Men became the longest-running number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100, staying atop for 16 weeks from 1995 to 1996.
Other Songwriting Credits
Afanasieff has worked extensively with saxophonist Kenny G since the 1980s. He also co-wrote for Savage Garden on their album "Affirmation" and contributed songs for Joey McIntyre, Jessica Simpson, Josh Groban, and Santana.
Notable Producing Credits
During the '90s, Afanasieff produced tracks for Disney animated films like "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and "Hercules." He also produced "The Bodyguard" soundtrack, the best-selling soundtrack and album of the '90s. His work on Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" for "Titanic" remains a testament to his producing prowess, winning a Grammy for Record of the Year.
In the 2000s, he continued producing for various artists such as Ricky Martin, Destiny's Child, Michael Bolton, Josh Groban, and Barbra Streisand.
Other Endeavors
In 2014, Afanasieff joined the mentorship program Isina as head of the producers department. He also became a mentor on the Russian talent show "Main Stage" in 2015.
Personal Life
Walter Afanasieff has been married three times. In 2005, he began dating entrepreneur and comedian Katie Cazorla, and they married in 2017. They have three children: Christina, Isabella, and Andrei, and care for several rescue dogs.
