Neal Schon (born Neal Joseph Schon) is a legendary American rock guitarist, songwriter, and musician best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Journey.
The only original member to appear on every Journey album, he is celebrated for his virtuosic playing, soulful melodies, and hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Any Way You Want It.” He also played with Santana early in his career and has released successful solo work.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Neal Joseph Schon
- Stage Name: Neal Schon
- Born: February 27, 1954
- Age: 72 years old
- Birthplace: Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: German and Italian
- Occupation: Guitarist, Songwriter, Musician
- Height: 165 cm
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Matthew Schon and Barbara Schon
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Michaele Salahi
- Children: Miles Schon, Elizabeth Schon, Sarah Schon, Aja Schon, Sophia Schon
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $40 million USD
Early Life and Education
Neal Schon was born on February 27, 1954, at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, United States. He was raised by his parents, Matthew Schon, a big band musician, arranger, and jazz saxophonist, and Barbara Schon, a big band singer. His religion is Christianity. His ethnicity is German and Italian.
He grew up in a highly musical household and began playing guitar at a very young age. The family later moved to California.
Neal attended Aragon High School in San Mateo but dropped out at age 15 to pursue music professionally. He joined Santana as a teenager, performing on major albums before co-founding Journey in 1973.
Career
Neal Schon began his professional music career at an exceptionally young age when he joined the legendary rock group, Santana. Recognized as a guitar prodigy, he contributed to the band’s evolving sound during the early 1970s and quickly earned respect for his technical ability and expressive playing style.
In 1973, Neal co-founded the iconic rock band Journey alongside Gregg Rolie and other musicians. The formation of Journey marked the beginning of one of the most successful and enduring careers in rock music history.
Throughout the decades, Neal has remained Journey’s primary creative force and the only constant member of the group.
Under his leadership, the band achieved worldwide fame during the late 1970s and 1980s with a series of arena rock anthems and emotional power ballads that became staples of classic rock radio. His melodic guitar solos and dynamic stage presence became defining elements of the band’s success.
Beyond Journey, Neal expanded his musical career through collaborations and side projects, including involvement with bands such as Bad English and Hardline.
He also released numerous solo albums, allowing him to explore a broader range of musical styles and showcase his versatility as both a guitarist and composer.
Neal continues to perform and tour extensively with Journey while consistently creating new music. His live performances remain highly praised for their precision, passion, and emotional intensity, reflecting decades of dedication to his craft.
Widely regarded as one of the influential guitarists in rock history, Neal Schon has left a lasting impact on generations of musicians and fans alike.
His combination of technical mastery, melodic creativity, and expressive playing style has secured his legacy as one of the defining figures in classic and contemporary rock music.
Awards and Nominations
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Journey)
- Multiple Grammy nominations
- Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame inductee
Social Media
- Instagram: @nealschon
- X(Twitter): @NealSchonMusic
- YouTube Channel: Neal Schon
Personal Life
Neal Schon, 72, has been married to television personality and former model Michaele Salahi since December 2013. He has been married four times previously (to Tena Austin, Beth Buckley, Dina Gioeli, and Amber Kozan).
He has five children from his earlier marriages: Miles Schon, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Schon, Sarah Schon, Aja Schon, and Sophia Schon. He maintains relationships with his children and keeps a relatively private family life outside of his music career. His height is 165 cm.
Net Worth
Neal Schon’s net worth is estimated at $40 million USD. He generates income from Journey album sales, worldwide tours, songwriting royalties, solo projects, merchandise, and other music-related ventures.
Discography
Solo Albums
- Late Nite (1989)
- Beyond the Thunder (1995) — Acoustic/instrumental
- Electric World (1997)
- Piranha Blues (1999)
- The Calling (2012)
- So U (2014)
- Vortex (2015)
- Universe (2020)
- Journey Through Time (2023) — Live album with former and current Journey members
Notable Collaborations & Side Projects
- Santana — Santana III (1971), Caravanserai (1972), Santana IV (2016)
- Azteca — Azteca (1972), Pyramid of the Moon (1973)
- Schon & Hammer (with Jan Hammer) — Untold Passion (1981), Here to Stay (1983)
- Bad English (supergroup with John Waite) — Bad English (1989), Backlash (1991)
- HSAS (Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve) — Through the Fire (1984)
With Journey (as founding member and guitarist)
- Infinity (1978)
- Evolution (1979)
- Escape (1981)
- Frontiers (1983)
- Raised on Radio (1986)
- Trial by Fire (1996)
- Revelation (2008)
- Eclipse (2011)
- Freedom (2022)