Who Is Jonny Greenwood? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jonny Greenwood, born on November 5, 1971, is an acclaimed English musician known primarily as the lead guitarist and keyboardist for the famous alternative rock band Radiohead. Over the decades, Greenwood has evolved from a punk rock enthusiast to a celebrated composer, contributing to both popular music and film scores. As of 2025, Greenwood is 53 years old, having maintained a remarkable career that spans over three decades. His innovative approach to music and sound has made him a standout figure in the industry.
| Occupation | Guitarist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1971 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | Oxford, England |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Jonny Greenwood's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jonny Greenwood stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm), complimented by a well-proportioned frame. While specific weight details fluctuate, he is generally known for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His measurements reflect an athletic build, indicative of his active engagement in various musical endeavors and performances.
In May 2025, Greenwood and Tassa's performances in Bristol and London supporting Jarak Qaribak were canceled following "credible threats" to the venues and staff.
They released a statement criticising the cancellations as censorship, emphasised the mixed heritage of the performers, and compared the cancellations to the controversy surrounding the hip-hop group Kneecap following their Coachella 2025 performance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding his personal life, Greenwood has maintained a level of privacy rarely seen in celebrity culture. He is married to his long-time partner, Sharona Katan, with whom he has two children. The couple has been reported to prioritize family time, often balancing Jonny's demanding career with their responsibilities as parents. As of 2025, Greenwood's dating status remains stable, and he continues to share a strong bond with his wife.
His brother, the Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood, is two years older. Their father served in the British Army as a bomb disposal expert. The Greenwood family has historical ties to the Communist Party of Great Britain and the socialist Fabian Society.
Net Worth and Salary
Jonny Greenwood's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $40 million. This substantial wealth is attributed to his successful career with Radiohead, along with his ventures in film scoring and independent music projects. Greenwood's innovative compositions for acclaimed films, including his work with directors like Paul Thomas Anderson, have bolstered his financial standing significantly.
Radiohead released their seventh album, In Rainbows, in October 2007, in a landmark use of the pay-what-you-want model for music sales.
Greenwood said Radiohead were responding to the culture of downloading free music, which he likened to the legend of King Canute: "You can't pretend the flood isn't happening." Greenwood wrote the title music for Adam Buxton's 2008 sketch show Meebox, and contributed to the 2009 album Basof Mitraglim Le'Hakol by the Israeli rock musician Dudu Tasaa
.
Career, Business, and Investments
Beginning with Radiohead's breakthrough album OK Computer in 1997, Greenwood's career has been nothing short of stellar. He has since ventured into film scoring, collaborating on soundtracks for several high-profile movies. His musical versatility has allowed him to experiment with various genres, establishing him as a sought-after artist in both music and film industries.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Greenwood invests in several music-related technologies and initiatives aimed at fostering new talent. He is an advocate for artists' rights in the digital age, contributing to discussions and programs that elevate independent musicians.
Radiohead's albums Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) marked a dramatic change in sound, incorporating influences from electronica, classical music, jazz and krautrock. Greenwood employed a modular synthesiser to build the drum machine rhythm of "Idioteque", and played ondes Martenot, an early electronic instrument similar to a theremin, on several tracks.
Social Network
Jonny Greenwood is relatively active on social media, though he tends to keep his personal life private. He maintains an official Twitter account where he shares thoughts on music, tours, and relevant projects. His fans appreciate his candid insights into the music industry, as well as updates on Radiohead and his solo works.
The Greenwood brothers attended the private boys' school Abingdon. The Abingdon director of music, Michael Stinton, recalled Jonny as a "charming student" and "committed musician" who would spend as much time in the music department as possible. Greenwood's first instrument was a recorder given to him at age four or five.
He played baroque music in recorder groups as a teenager, and continued to play into adulthood. He played the viola in the Thames Vale youth orchestra, which he described as a formative experience: "I'd been in school orchestras and never seen the point. But in Thames Vale I was suddenly with all these 18-year-olds who could actually play in tune.
I remember thinking: 'Ah, that's what an orchestra is supposed to sound like! Greenwood also spent time programming, experimenting with BASIC and simple machine code to make computer games. According to Greenwood, "The closer I got to the bare bones of the computer, the more exciting I found it."
Education
Jonny Greenwood's educational background is rooted in the arts—he attended Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, where his musical journey began. He honed his skills not just through formal education but also through practical experiences with fellow bandmates and collaborations in various musical settings. Jonny's diverse influences and experiences have shaped his distinctive sound, making him a significant figure in contemporary music.
In conclusion, Jonny Greenwood remains a pivotal character in the music world, acclaimed for his innovative contributions and dedicated personal life. As he continues to evolve as an artist and family man, fans and followers eagerly anticipate what he will create next.
Along with his elder brother, Colin, Greenwood attended Abingdon School in Abingdon near Oxford, where he formed Radiohead. Their debut single, "Creep" (1992), was distinguished by Greenwood's aggressive guitar work. Radiohead have achieved acclaim and sold more than 30 million albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Radiohead in 2019.
