Joseph Simmons Bio: Net Worth, Wife, Age, Parents, Children, Height, Songs, Albums, Brother

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Biography

Joseph Ward Simmons, widely known as Rev. Run or simply Run, is an American rapper, producer, DJ, and television personality. In the 1980s, he co-founded the groundbreaking hip-hop group Run-DMC and played a crucial role in bringing hip-hop to the mainstream.

His signature voice and iconic style, including Adidas tracksuits and shell-toe sneakers, became synonymous with the group’s image and influence. Outside of music, Rev. Run has made a significant impact in media.

He starred in the popular MTV reality series Run’s House, which offered a glimpse into his family life and values. He has also established himself as an author, publishing works like Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith and Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents, which blend faith and practical guidance.

In addition to his artistic and literary pursuits, Simmons has been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures, solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon and continuing to shape both music and popular culture.

Joseph Simmons
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Joseph Ward Simmons
Stage Name:	Rev. Run
Born:	14 November 1964 (age 60 years old)
Place of Birth:	Hollis, New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	N/A
Height:	1.73 m
Parents:	Daniel Simmons Sr., Evelyn Simmons
Siblings:	Daniel “Danny” Simmons Jr., Russell Simmons
Spouse:	Justine Simmons (m. 1994), Valerie Vaughn (m. 1983–1992)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Jojo Simmons, Diggy Simmons, Russell Simmons II, Victoria Anne Simmons, Miley Justine Simmons
Occupation:	Rapper • DJ
Net Worth:	$60 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Joseph Simmons, better known by his stage names Run, Rev. Run, or DJ Run, was born on November 14, 1964, in Hollis, Queens, New York, United States. He is of mixed ethnicity and has an African-American heritage.

Simmons grew up in a musically inclined family in Queens, New York. His early life was marked by the influence of his siblings and the burgeoning hip-hop scene in his neighborhood. Although exact details of his early education are not widely documented, it is known that he completed his high school education in New York.

Joseph Simmons became a practicing Pentecostal minister, adopting the stage name “Rev. Run” after being ordained. His spiritual journey and faith have been a significant part of his public persona, particularly highlighted in his reality TV show “Run’s House.”

He was born to Daniel Simmons Sr. and Evelyn Simmons. His father was a bus driver, and his mother worked as a teacher’s aide. Simmons has two notable siblings: Daniel “Danny” Simmons Jr., an artist known for his neo-African abstract expressionist paintings, and Russell Simmons, an entrepreneur, record executive, writer, and film producer who co-founded Def Jam Recordings, significantly impacting the music industry.

Specific details about Simmons‘ formal education are less documented publicly, but it is known that he completed his high school education in New York.

Career

Joseph Simmons, known professionally as Run, Rev. Run, or DJ Run, has built a dynamic career encompassing music, television, entrepreneurship, and ministry. As a co-founder of Run-DMC in the early 1980s alongside Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, Simmons helped revolutionize hip-hop.

Run-DMC was among the first hip-hop groups to achieve mainstream success. They blended rap with rock elements in iconic tracks like “Walk This Way” (featuring Aerosmith), “It’s Tricky,” and “King of Rock.” Their music expanded hip-hop’s reach and shaped its cultural identity, with their signature Adidas tracksuits and sneakers becoming a defining fashion statement.

Following Run-DMC‘s groundbreaking success, Simmons launched a solo career, releasing albums like Distortion (2005), which fused hip-hop and gospel influences and showcased his artistic evolution and spiritual journey. In 2004, he became an ordained minister and began incorporating his faith into public life under the moniker Rev. Run.

From 2005 to 2009, Simmons starred in MTV’s Run’s House, a reality show highlighting his life as a family man and minister. The show offered a candid look at his personal and spiritual growth, broadening his appeal to audiences beyond hip-hop. It became one of the first reality series to explore the private life of a hip-hop artist, earning critical acclaim for its family-centric narrative.

In addition to music and television, Simmons has pursued numerous entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding the footwear brand Run Athletics and engaging in endorsements such as Wendy‘s. His business acumen reflects the enterprising spirit of his brother, Russell Simmons.

Simmons is also a published author, blending insights from his experiences in hip-hop, ministry, and family life.

His books, including Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith and Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents, emphasize faith, personal growth, and family values, solidifying his role as a source of inspiration both within and beyond the entertainment industry.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Joseph Simmons
• IMDb: Joseph Simmons
• Instagram: Joseph Simmons (@joesimmonsfilmmaker)

Personal Life

Joseph Simmons was first married to Valerie Vaughn in 1983, and they divorced in 1992. In 1994, Simmons married Justine Jones on June 25, and they have remained married since.

Justine Simmons has been a significant part of Joseph‘s public life, especially through their reality TV show “Run’s House.” She’s known for her role as a supportive partner and mother, and together, they have authored books focusing on family values and faith.

With Valerie Vaughn, Simmons has three children: Vanessa Simmons (born 1983), an actress, model, and entrepreneur; Angela Simmons (born 1987), a reality TV star, entrepreneur, and fashion designer; and Joseph “JoJo” Ward Simmons Jr. (born 1989), a musician and actor.

With Justine Simmons, they have Daniel “Diggy” Simmons III (born March 21, 1995), a rapper, actor, and model; Russell “Russy” Simmons II (born August 30, 1997), known for appearing in family reality shows; Victoria Anne Simmons (born and died September 26, 2006), who passed away shortly after birth due to omphalocele; and Miley Justine Simmons, whom they adopted in 2007.

Joseph Simmons stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall.

Net Worth

Joseph Simmons, known as Rev. Run, has an estimated net worth of $60 million. His wealth stems from his successful music career as part of the pioneering hip-hop group Run-DMC, where he played a key role in popularizing the genre.

Beyond music, Simmons has diversified his income through reality television with “Run’s House,” authorship, endorsements, and various entrepreneurial ventures. His solo music projects, speaking engagements, and involvement in family-oriented media have further contributed to his financial success.

Discography

Music with Run-DMC

• Run-D.M.C. (1984)
• King of Rock (1985)
• Raising Hell (1986)
• Tougher Than Leather (1988)
• Back from Hell (1990)
• Down with the King (1993)

Solo Music

• Distortion (2005)

Television

• Run’s House (2005-2009) – Reality TV show on MTV
• Run’s House: The After Party (2007) – Special episode
• Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers (2014) – Cooking show on the Cooking Channel
• Rev Run’s Renovation (2014) – Home renovation show on DIY Network
• Rev Run’s Words of Wisdom (2014) – Spiritual advice series
• All About the Washingtons (2018) – Comedy series on Netflix, where he played a lead role

Books

• Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith (2006) – with Justine Simmons
• Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents (2008) – with Justine Simmons
• Manology: Secrets of Your Man’s Mind Revealed (2013) – co-authored with Tyrese Gibson

Film

• Krush Groove (1985) – Semi-autobiographical film about the early days of Def Jam Recordings
• Tougher Than Leather (1988) – Run-DMC’s feature film

Other Contributions

• Numerous guest appearances on various TV shows, including talk shows, game shows, and as a guest judge or mentor on music and reality competitions.
• Voice acting in video games and animated shows, including roles in “Def Jam: Icon” and “The Simpsons.”
• Endorsements and business ventures in fashion (Run Athletics), beverages, and other products.

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