Bradley Nowell achieved fame as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Sublime, showcasing his musical talent.
He was famous for mixing different types of music like reggae, rock, hip-hop, and folk in a new and creative way.
His music showed what happened to him, his hard times, the things he loved, and what he thought about society and politics. He was a significant person in the music scene in the 1990s, and many artists and fans still admire him today.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Bradley James Nowell |
| Nickname | Bradley Nowell |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 28 years old (at the time of death) |
| Birthdate | February 22, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 cm) |
| Parents | Jim Nowell (father), Nancy Nowell (mother) |
| Profession | Musician, singer, songwriter |
| Siblings | Kellie Nowell (sister) |
| Relationship | Gwen Stefani |
| Spouse | Troy Dendekker (married in 1996) |
| Children | Jakob James Nowell (son) |
| Net worth | $4 Million |
| Marital status | Married (at the time of death) |
| Died | San Francisco, California, United States |
Bradley Nowell Age
He would have been 56 years old in 2024. He was born on February 22, 1968, in Long Beach, California to Jim and Nancy Nowell.
His dad built things, and his mom sang and taught people how to play the piano. His sister’s name was Kellie, and she was born in 1971.
He lived in a neighborhood outside of the city and went to Wilson High School. When he was young, he listened to many different kinds of music, like the Beatles, Bob Marley, the Grateful Dead, and the Beach Boys.
How old was Bradley Nowell when he died?
Bradley Nowell was just 28 years old when he died.
Early Life & Education
Bradley Nowell started playing the guitar at ten and began writing his songs at 13. He also started to enjoy surfing, skateboarding, and fishing, and these activities became essential topics in his music.
He finished high school in 1986 and studied finance at California State University, Long Beach.
Nowell became a member of a group called Sigma Alpha Epsilon. There, he met Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, who later became his friends in the band Sublime.
Bradley Nowell left college in 1988 because he got $12,000 from his grandfather. He spent the money on a trip to the Caribbean, where he got involved in the local culture and music. He also tried different drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, and then he got seriously addicted to them.
Personal Life
Bradley Nowell had a complicated personal life because of his drug use, problems with the law, and relationships.
Nowell had many girlfriends during his life and wrote songs about some of them, like “Caress Me Down,” “Mary,” and “Santeria. “
He also had a dog called Louie, who was always with him. He frequently took Louie to his shows and put him on his album covers.
Gwen Stefani and Bradley Nowell’s relationship
In 1995, he met waiter and model Troy Dendekker, who became his girlfriend and later wife. She accompanied him on the Sublime tours and became pregnant with his son Jakob James Nowell that year. They married in Las Vegas on May 18, 1996, spontaneously.
However, their marriage was short-lived, as Nowell died of a heroin overdose just a week after their wedding. Dendekker was devastated by his death and struggled to come to terms with the loss.
She later remarried to Kiki Holmes in 2002, but they separated in 2017. He remained close to Nowell’s family and friends, raising musician Jakob in his father’s footsteps.
Bradley Nowell Career
Bradley Nowell started his music career in 1988 when he formed a band called Sublime with his college friends Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh.
They began to play at small venues and parties and became known for their lively and exciting live shows.
They also made their music using a four-track recorder and mixing board. Then, they gave their tapes to their fans and radio stations.
They put out their first album called 40 Oz. In 1992, the album “Freedom” was released. It had songs written by the band and songs by other artists like Bob Marley, Bad Religion, and the Descendents.
The album did well, selling over 2 million copies. It had a popular song called “Date Rape” that was played a lot on KROQ, a well-known radio station in Los Angeles.
In 1994, they released their second album called Robbin’ the Hood. It was more experimental and had a lower-quality sound. The album talked about the lead singer’s problems with drug addiction and feeling very sad.
What Is Bradley Nowell’s Net Worth?
When Bradley Nowell died, he had about $4 million. He made most of his money from selling his music, getting paid for his songs, and going on tours with Sublime.
He also had a recording studio called Skunk Records, which he started with his friend and mentor, Miguel Happoldt.
Bradley Nowell’s Death
Bradley Nowell died from using too much heroin on May 25, 1996, in San Francisco, California. He was 28 years old.
His family, friends, and fans felt very sad and surprised when he died. They were unhappy about his death but also remembered and honored his life.
He was buried on May 30, 1996, at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. More than 2,000 people came to the funeral. He was burned, and his remains were scattered in the Pacific Ocean at his favorite place to surf.
