Dan Ashley Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth

Dan Ashley Biography: Acclaimed American Journalist and Musician

Dan Ashley is an American journalist, television anchor and musician. He is best known for his work at ABC7 News in San Francisco, where he has been a prominent figure for over two decades.

Early Life and Education

Dan Ashley was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1985 with degrees in English and Speech Communication.

Career

Ashley began his journalism career in 1986. He started at WTVD, ABC’s Durham, North Carolina TV station, before moving to WCBD-TV, the ABC affiliate in Charleston, South Carolina.

In 1995, he joined ABC7 (KGO-TV) in San Francisco as the weekday 5:00 p.m. news anchor and investigative reporter. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the anchor for the 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. broadcasts as well.

Notable Assignments

Ashley has reported on a wide range of significant events and issues. Some of his notable assignments include:

Hurricane Hugo: He was the last broadcaster to remain on the air during the hurricane’s impact on Charleston, South Carolina in 1989.

March of the Living: In 2005, he reported from Poland with Bay Area Holocaust survivors.

Interview with President Obama: In 2013, Ashley had a one-on-one interview with President Barack Obama at the White House.

State Primaries and Caucuses: He reported live from New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Iowa for various state primaries and caucuses.

Senator John Glenn’s Return to Space: He covered this event in Florida.

El Nino Weather Phenomenon: He reported from Peru on this event.

Awards and Recognition

Ashley has received numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious DuPont Columbia Award and the Edward R. Murrow Awards.

He has also won several Emmy Awards for his reporting, anchoring, and producing. In 2015, he was inducted into the Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences San Francisco/Northern California Chapter.

Musical Career

In addition to his journalism career, Ashley is a singer-songwriter and musician, who leads his own Americana/Rock band. He leads his own band, Dan Ashley Music, and has released several albums. His music is a blend of Americana and rock and roll.

Philanthropy

Outside of his journalism career, Ashley is a dedicated philanthropist. He serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Bay Area American Red Cross, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County, and the Commonwealth Club of California.

He also hosts an annual golf tournament fundraiser for Friends of Camp Concord and leads the Rock The CASA benefit concert.

Age

Dan Ashley was born on August 29, 1963, which makes him 60 years old. His zodiac sign is Virgo.

He is American by nationality and his ethnicity is Caucasian, as he was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.

Wife

Dan Ashley married Angela in 2021. Angela is an attorney, and they share a passion for music, with Angela even performing as a backup singer in Dan’s band.

They enjoy spending their downtime together, often recharging with simple activities like having a pizza and watching a movie.

Dan and Spalding Ashley divorce

Yes, Dan Ashley and Spalding Rooker Ashley went through a divorce. The divorce proceedings were filed on June 4, 2018, in the Contra Costa County Superior Courts in California. The case was overseen by Judge Danielle K. Douglas and was disposed of with a judgment entered on June 21, 2018. The marital status ended on December 31, 2018.

Height

Dan Ashley stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).

Career and Background

Dan Ashley has spent the majority of his broadcasting career with ABC7 News in San Francisco, where he covers both local and national news stories.

Known for his in-depth interviews and compelling storytelling, he has reported on numerous high-profile events and issues. His experience and credibility make him a trusted news anchor for Bay Area residents.

Here’s a detailed look at his career:

Early Career

Dan Ashley began his journalism career in 1986 at WTVD, ABC’s Durham, North Carolina TV station. He quickly made a name for himself and moved to WCBD-TV, the ABC affiliate in Charleston, South Carolina, where he continued to build his reputation as a dedicated journalist.

Joining ABC7 (KGO-TV)

In 1995, Ashley joined ABC7 (KGO-TV) in San Francisco as the weekday 5:00 p.m. news anchor and investigative reporter.

His hard work and dedication led to a promotion the following year, where he became the anchor for the 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. broadcasts in addition to the 5:00 newscast.

Awards and RecognitionDan Ashley has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his significant contributions to journalism.

Here are Dan Ashley’s awards and recognitions numbered:

DuPont Columbia Award
- Awarded for outstanding reporting during his tenure in Charleston, South Carolina.
Edward R. Murrow Awards
- Multiple awards for investigative reporting and overall excellence in journalism.
Emmy Awards
- Several awards for reporting, anchoring, and producing.
Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
- Inducted in 2015 by the San Francisco/Northern California Chapter.
National Emmy Nomination
- Received a national nomination for his reporting.
Other Recognitions
- Recognized by industry organizations such as the Associated Press, United Press International, and the Press Club of Atlantic City.
- Awards from the New Jersey and Atlanta branches of the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Philanthropic Contributions
- Serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Bay Area American Red Cross, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County, and the Commonwealth Club of California.
- Hosts an annual golf tournament fundraiser for Friends of Camp Concord and leads the Rock The CASA benefit concert.

These awards and recognitions reflect Dan Ashley’s significant contributions to journalism and his commitment to philanthropy.

Dan Ashley has worked with many talented colleagues throughout his career, especially during his time at WCBD-TV in Charleston, South Carolina, and ABC7 (KGO-TV) in San Francisco. Here are some of his close colleagues:

Leslie Lyles: Leslie was a lead reporter and anchor at WCBD-TV from 1987 to 1994. She and Ashley worked together on many significant stories, including Hurricane Hugo. Ashley has fond memories of working with Leslie and described their time together as “magical.”

Rob Fowler: Rob was another colleague at WCBD-TV who worked alongside Ashley. Ashley mentioned that Rob and the rest of the team made the workplace fun and enjoyable.

Richard Brown: Ashley replaced Richard Brown as the anchor for the 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. broadcasts at ABC7 in 1996. Richard had a long tenure at the station, and Ashley took over the role after Richard’s departure.

Tom Brokaw: While not a direct colleague, Ashley has conducted interviews with prominent journalists like Tom Brokaw, showcasing his connections within the industry.

Rob Reiner: Ashley has also interviewed notable figures like Rob Reiner, further highlighting his network within the journalism and entertainment fields.

Ashley’s colleagues have often praised his dedication and hard work, and he has maintained strong professional relationships with many of them over the years.

His time at WCBD-TV and ABC7 has been marked by collaboration and mutual respect with his fellow journalists.

Dan Ashley Band

Dan Ashley is not only a talented journalist but also a passionate musician. He leads his own band, which blends Americana, Rock, and Roll with a unique storytelling style.

Here’s a detailed look at his band:

Band Members

Bill Bentley: Lead Guitar/Music Director. Bill has worked with renowned artists like Eddie Money, Starship, Beach Boys, Boz Scaggs, Huey Lewis, and many more.

Vernon Black: Guitar/Vocals. Vernon has toured and recorded with legends like Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin.

Angeline Saris: Bass. Angeline is known for her powerful and energetic bass playing.

Billy Johnson: Drums. Billy has toured with Santana and Frankie Beverly and worked with Tower of Power.

James Henry: Percussion. James brings dynamic energy and a modern style to the band.

Francois Bouvet: Guitar. Francois is a French native with a background in classical music.

Ben Flint: Keyboard. Ben is an Oakland-based pianist and composer.

Tiffany Callier: Vocals. Tiffany is known for her inspiring performances.

Naté Soulsanger: Vocals. Naté is a prominent urban soulstress in the Bay Area.

Dyson Thesinger: Vocals. Dyson combines old school flavor with a new school edge.

Simon Russell: Keyboard. Simon has performed with The James Brown Band and many other notable artists.

Musical Style

Dan Ashley’s band has a unique blend of Americana and Rock and Roll, bringing a distinctive voice and life-experience to their music. Dan’s songs often reflect themes of joy, heartbreak, love, and loss, resonating with a wide audience.

Performances

The band has headlined great venues and opened for artists like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, and Melissa Etheridge. Dan Ashley has also performed the National Anthem at various events, including NBA games, Major League Baseball games, college football games, and professional hockey games.

Albums and Songs

Dan Ashley has released several albums and singles, including “Redbud Road,” “Now and Then,” “We Stayed Home,” “Lucky Stars,” and “What Really Matters.” His music often draws from his personal experiences and storytelling abilities.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

In addition to his music career, Dan Ashley continues to anchor the evening news at ABC7, where he has been a beloved figure for nearly three decades. He also engages in philanthropic activities, hosting benefit concerts and fundraisers for various causes.

Net Worth and Salary

Dan Ashley’s net worth and salary have been notable throughout his career in journalism. Here’s a detailed look:

Net Worth

Dan Ashley’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $7 million. This wealth has been accumulated over his long career as a journalist, anchor, and reporter.

Salary

Ashley’s annual salary has varied over the years, but it generally ranges from $45,000 to $110,500. This salary reflects his experience and contributions to the field of journalism.

Career Earnings

Ashley has been a broadcast journalist for over 38 years, working with various news organizations. His career earnings have been bolstered by his numerous awards and recognitions, which have further solidified his reputation and value in the industry.

Investments and Philanthropy

In addition to his salary, Ashley has made significant investments in real estate and other ventures. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving on the boards of several organizations and hosting annual fundraisers. His philanthropic efforts have contributed to his overall net worth and reputation.

Is Dan Ashley Married?

Yes, Dan Ashley is married to Angela, an attorney, since 2021. They share a passion for music, and Angela often performs as a backup singer in Dan’s band.

How Old Is Dan Ashley?

Dan Ashley was born on August 29, 1963, which makes him 61 years old as of now.

Where Is Dan Ashley Working At?

Dan Ashley is currently working at ABC7 (KGO-TV) in San Francisco as the anchor of the 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. newscasts.

He has been with the station since 1995 and is the longest-tenured main male news anchor in the history of ABC7.

Dan Ashley is active on social media. He maintains a presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. He uses these platforms to engage with his audience, share updates about his work, and connect with viewers.