Robert Ellis Silberstein Net Worth, Earning, Biography, Career, Wife, Age

The majority of Robert Ellis Silberstein’s career was spent in the background. Also as some of the most prominent musicians of the generation he represented took the stage, Silberstein returned. Silberstein, a businessman and music entrepreneur, had a low-key career in Hollywood. Robert Ellis Silberstein Net Worth and other facts will surely surprise you.

Despite representing some of the industry’s biggest names, including Billy Preston, Diana Ross, Rufus, The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, Meat Loaf and Status Quo, Silberstein’s name has never been in the media. But despite remaining in the background throughout her life, the music executive rose to fame after her marriage to Diana Ross. The pair enjoyed a brief relationship, which eventually ended in divorce.

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Early Life and Background

Robert Ellis Silberstein was born on January 5, 1946, in Elberon, New Jersey, USA, making him 79 years old as of July 2025. His zodiac sign is Capricorn, reflecting his disciplined and ambitious nature. Raised in a wealthy Jewish family known for their garment manufacturing business, Silberstein enjoyed a privileged upbringing, though little is publicly known about his parents, George Silberstein and Charlotte Silberstein Abrams, or his siblings. His family’s success in the clothing industry provided financial stability, setting the stage for his later ventures.

Silberstein attended West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1968. After graduation, he briefly worked as a teacher at the same university but left after a disagreement with the administration. This pivotal moment led him to relocate to Los Angeles in late 1969 or early 1970, where he transitioned into the music industry, a decision that would define his career. His early exposure to business principles through his family’s enterprise and his educational background laid a strong foundation for his success as a music executive.

Biography

In Elberon, New Jersey, USA, on January 5, 1946, Robert Ellis Silberstein was born.Born and raised in New Jersey, not much is known about Silberstein’s early life and details about his parents and siblings have never been revealed to the media and Robert Ellis Silberstein, often known as Bob Ellis, was raised in a prosperous Jewish family that worked in the clothing industry. Silberstein obtained his high school diploma in 1964 from a nearby high school and thereafter enrolled at West Virginia University. Silberstein received his BA in education in 1968.

Physical Stats

Silberstein’s physical presence is less documented than his professional achievements, but sources describe him as standing at 5 feet 8 inches (174 cm) tall and weighing approximately 165 lbs (75 kg). He has grey hair and dark brown eyes, with a charismatic and approachable demeanor noted by his daughter Tracee Ellis Ross, who credits him for her sense of humor. Silberstein’s style reflects his music industry roots, often seen in polished, professional attire during public appearances with Diana Ross in the 1970s.

Working Life

Robert left teaching to find himself in Los Angeles, moved to California, befriended Diana Ross (he met her in a clothing store), and in 1970 began a career as a businessman and executive producer. He began producing musicians such as Diana Ross and Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones.

Robert is also famous for discovering talent such as Chaka Khan (Yvette Marie Stevens), a vocalist in the American funk music band Rufus, which Robert also managed; Chaka Khan has won a total of 10 Grammy Awards, half of which were for her work on Rufus directed by Robert, who produced hits such as “Tell Me Something Good” (1975), “Nobody” (1984) and “I’ll Be Good To You” (1991). He also discovered the late famous gospel singer, instrumentalist and songwriter Billy Preston, who also received two Grammy Awards for his hits.

Silberstein’s career as a music executive began in 1970 after he left teaching and moved to Los Angeles. With Diana Ross’s support, he entered the music industry, quickly establishing himself as a savvy manager. His hands-on approach and talent-spotting ability led to collaborations with some of the era’s biggest names. Below are his key career highlights:

Discovery of Chaka Khan: While managing the funk band Rufus, Silberstein discovered Chaka Khan (Yvette Marie Stevens), who became the band’s lead vocalist. Under his management, Rufus won multiple Grammy Awards for hits like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody.”

Management Portfolio: Silberstein managed artists including:

• Billy Preston, a gospel and R&B legend who won two Grammys.
• Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, guiding his solo career.
• Meat Loaf, supporting his rise with Bat Out of Hell.
• Status Quo, a British rock band.
• Diana Ross, during her transition from The Supremes to a solo career, though he did not formally manage her.

Other Ventures: In 2018, Silberstein was briefly involved with MoviePass, a movie ticket subscription service, but faced legal issues, including a lawsuit citing gender discrimination and sexual harassment, which tarnished his reputation. He has since returned to teaching at West Virginia University and ventured into real estate investments in Los Angeles, New York City, and Connecticut.

Silberstein’s influence in the 1970s music scene was significant, particularly in shaping the careers of Chaka Khan and Billy Preston. His low-profile approach kept him out of the spotlight, but his impact is evident in the enduring success of his clients. He retired from active music management but remains respected for his contributions.

Robert Ellis Silberstein Net Worth

A $50 million businessman and music executive from the United States, Robert Ellis Silberstein. He was born in January 1946 in Elberon, New Jersey, and has worked as a manager for a number of well-known artists, such as Diana Ross, Billy Preston, Meat Loaf, Rufus, and the Status Quo. His career in the music industry has been very successful, and he has amassed a considerable fortune as a result.As of 2025, Robert Ellis Silberstein’s projected net worth is $50 million. He started teaching at the same school after receiving his degree from West Virginia University, but had to leave due to some problems

Robert Ellis Silberstein Earnings

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s net worth is estimated at $50–70 million as of 2025, with sources like Celebrity Net Worth and Digital Dev citing figures in this range. His wealth primarily stems from his career as a music executive, supplemented by business ventures and real estate investments. Below is a breakdown of his earnings:

• Music Management: Representing high-profile artists like Chaka Khan, Billy Preston, and Ronnie Wood generated significant income through management fees, royalties, and licensing deals. The average U.S. music executive salary is $175,110, but Silberstein’s high-profile clients likely earned him far more.
• Business Ventures: His involvement in MoviePass, though controversial, and real estate investments in Los Angeles, New York, and Connecticut bolstered his wealth.
• Assets: Silberstein owns properties in multiple states, though specific details are private. His lifestyle reflects financial stability, with a focus on family and philanthropy.

The range in net worth estimates ($50–70 million) reflects varying calculations of his real estate holdings and past earnings. His daughter Tracee Ellis Ross, with a net worth of $16 million, and ex-wife Diana Ross, at $250 million, highlight the family’s collective success in entertainment.

Personal Life: Wife and Family

Robert Ellis Silberstein is best known in his personal life for his marriage to Diana Ross, the iconic Motown singer and former lead of The Supremes. Their love story began in early 1970 when Silberstein, working in a men’s clothing store in Los Angeles, helped Ross select a gift for her then-partner, Motown founder Berry Gordy. Their chance encounter sparked a romance, and after just two months of dating, they married on January 20, 1971. At the time, Ross was two months pregnant with her first child, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, whose biological father was Gordy. Silberstein raised Rhonda as his own, and she referred to him as her father until learning about Gordy at age 13.

Silberstein and Ross had two biological daughters together:

• Tracee Ellis Ross (born October 29, 1972), an acclaimed actress known for Girlfriends and Black-ish, who won a Golden Globe and multiple NAACP Image Awards.
• Chudney Ross (born November 4, 1975), a producer and production manager who worked on projects like Fame (2003) and Mesmerized (2004).

The couple divorced on March 9, 1977, after six years, citing Ross’s demanding career and her ties to Motown as strains. Silberstein expressed frustration in a post-divorce interview, stating, “My wife belongs to that company [Motown]… She’s totally dominated by a man [Berry Gordy] who never read a book in his life.” Despite the split, they maintained an amicable relationship for their children’s sake. Silberstein also has two stepsons, Ross Arne Naess and Evan Olav Naess, from Ross’s second marriage to Norwegian businessman Arne Naess Jr. (1985–2000).

As of 2025, Silberstein is reportedly single, with no public record of relationships since his divorce. He remains close with his daughters and grandchildren, Callaway Lane Ross-Faulkner (Chudney’s daughter) and Raif-Henok Emmanuel Kendrick (Rhonda’s son). Tracee has praised his humor and influence, noting in a Refinery29 interview, “I get my sense of humor from my dad.” Silberstein enjoys a private life, occasionally attending events with his daughters, such as the 2018 Greenwich International Film Festival.

Lesser-Known Facts

1. Chaka Khan Discovery: Silberstein’s scouting of Chaka Khan while managing Rufus was a career-defining moment, leading to Grammy-winning success.

2. Philanthropy: He supports causes like music education and cancer research, though specific details are not widely publicized.

3. Art Collection: Silberstein is passionate about collecting art, owning works by renowned artists.

4. Private Persona: Despite his high-profile marriage, he avoids social media, with only a modest Instagram presence (@bobellisross, 36k followers).

5. Teaching Return: After retiring from music management, he returned to West Virginia University to teach, reflecting his educational roots.

6. Close Family Ties: Tracee Ellis Ross credits him for her humor, and they share lighthearted moments, like juggling lemons at Whole Foods in 2017.

7. MoviePass Controversy: His 2018 involvement with MoviePass led to a lawsuit, a rare public blemish on his career.

Recent Developments

As of 2025, Silberstein leads a private life, focusing on teaching, family, and real estate. He occasionally appears at events with his daughters, such as the 2023 Tribeca Festival for Cold Copy. His influence persists through his children’s success, particularly Tracee Ellis Ross’s acting career and Chudney Ross’s production work. While no longer active in music management, his legacy in shaping the 1970s music scene remains strong. His reported involvement in philanthropy, supporting music education, aligns with his lifelong passion for the arts.

Conclusion

Finally being married in 1971, the couple welcomed two biological kids: Tracee Ellis Ross in 1972 and Chudney Ross in 1975. Additionally, Ross and her first husband Gordy’s biological daughter Rhonda Ross Kendrick was subsequently adopted by Silberstein. Ross and Silberstein maintained their friendship throughout the years, despite the fact that their romance terminated abruptly in 1977. Not much is known about her life after the breakup. Ross continued to perform and tour and is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential female artists of all time.

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Sharmin Shimi

Sharmin Shimi is a tech expert and celebrity news enthusiast who writes with passion and insight. She simplifies tech trends and delivers the latest entertainment buzz, making complex topics engaging for all. For her, writing isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life.