Bradley Nowell

Who Is Bradley Nowell? Age, Biography, and Wiki

Bradley Nowell was born on February 22, 1968, and he tragically passed away on May 25, 1996. Nowell is best remembered as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Sublime. Despite his untimely death at the young age of 28, his legacy continues to influence countless artists and fans alike.

Nowell's music often blended elements of ska, punk, reggae, and hip-hop, earning Sublime a dedicated following and a place in rock history. His candid songwriting depicted themes of love, loss, and personal struggles, resonating with audiences during and after his time.

Occupation	Rock Singer
Date of Birth	February 22, 1968
Age	28 Years
Birth Place	Long Beach, California, U.S.
Horoscope	Pisces
Country	U.S
Date of death	25 May, 1996
Died Place	N/A

Popularity

Height, Weight & Measurements

Bradley Nowell stood approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. Throughout his life, he maintained a lean physique typical of a musician actively engaged in performances. His weight, while variable, is often speculated to have been around 145 lbs (66 kg) during his peak years.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

Although Bradley Nowell was frequently in the limelight due to his music career, he also had a rich personal life. He was married to his girlfriend, Leah, and the couple welcomed a son, Jakob James Nowell, in 1995. Their relationship was deeply intertwined with his artistic endeavors, and Nowell often drew inspiration for his music from his experiences as a father and partner.

Nowell and his sister, Kellie, were born and raised in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach, California, to Jim and Nancy Nowell. As a child, he enjoyed surfing and sailing, often participating in boat races.

Nowell became a difficult child and was often hyperactive and disruptive; his mother recalled that he was "very emotional, very sensitive, very artistic, but he was needy … He was always testing just to see what he could get away with." After his parents' divorce when he was 10, Nowell's behavior worsened.

His mother was originally awarded custody, but found him too difficult to control, and at the age of 10 he moved in full time with his father.

Net Worth and Salary

At the time of his passing, Bradley Nowell's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. While he did not achieve the level of financial success during his lifetime that he posthumously attained, his music continues to generate significant earnings through sales, streaming, and licensing. In 2025, his estate remains profitable, contributing to the ongoing legacy of Sublime.

In 1990, music student Michael "Miguel" Happoldt offered to let the band record in the studio at the school where he was studying, although without the school's knowledge. The band agreed, then sneaked into the school at night, where they recorded from midnight to seven in the morning.

That recording session resulted in the cassette tape Jah Won't Pay the Bills, released in 1991. The tape helped the band gain a grassroots following throughout Southern California.

Career, Business, and Investments

Bradley Nowell's career was predominantly centered on his work with Sublime, which he co-founded in 1988. The band's self-titled album, released in 1996, achieved multi-platinum status and includes hits such as "What I Got" and "Santeria." Posthumously, Sublime's music continues to draw in new fans, leading to tours and the re-release of albums that have revitalized the band's brand.

Nowell's influence extends beyond music; he is often credited with popularizing a sound that merged multiple genres, paving the way for future artists. While he did not engage heavily in business ventures outside of music, his artistry has inspired many to explore their entrepreneurial paths within the creative sector.

Social Network

In 2025, Bradley Nowell's legacy lives on through various social media platforms and fan sites dedicated to his music and life. While Nowell did not have social media during his lifetime, his estate and Sublime's official pages maintain a presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where they share tributes, updates, and fan interactions.

By the age of 16, he had started his first band, Hogan's Heroes, with Michael Yates and Eric Wilson. Nowell was described as a "gifted kid without many friends." At first, Wilson did not share Nowell's interest in reggae music. Nowell recalled the experience: "I was trying to get them to do (UB40's version of) 'Cherry Oh Baby,' and it didn't work.

They tried, but it just sounded like such garbage. We were horrible." Nowell attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School (where he took advanced courses) and graduated from Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach.

He attended the University of California, Santa Cruz before transferring to California State University, Long Beach to study finance. He dropped out one semester shy of earning a degree.

Education

Bradley Nowell's educational background included attending the University of California, Santa Cruz. He studied music and was heavily influenced by both local and national musical trends, which would later reflect in his work. His passion for music was evident from a young age, and he made the most out of his college experience to hone his skills as a musician.

As we look back on Bradley Nowell's life and contributions in 2025, it is clear that his impact on music and culture remains profound. His unique sound and the stories behind his lyrics continue to resonate with fans, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.

Born and raised in Belmont Shore, Long Beach, California, Nowell developed an interest in music at a young age. Nowell formed Sublime with bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh, whom he had met while attending California State University, Long Beach. During his lifetime, Sublime released the albums 40oz.

to Freedom and Robbin' the Hood to critical and commercial success. In 1996, Nowell died of a heroin overdose in a San Francisco hotel while Sublime was on tour.