Net Worth Ranker
What Is Brian Setzer’s Net Worth?
Brian Setzer, the celebrated American songwriter, guitarist, and singer, has amassed a net worth of $8 million. This financial achievement is primarily attributed to his successful career as the lead singer of both the Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. His enduring presence in the music industry, spanning several decades, has solidified his financial standing through album sales, live performances, and various musical endeavors.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on April 10, 1959, in Massapequa, New York, Brian Setzer’s early life was deeply immersed in music. Initially, he began playing the euphonium, showcasing his early inclination towards musical instruments. During his formative years in school, he actively participated in numerous jazz bands, honing his musical skills and developing a deep appreciation for the genre. Regularly visiting the Village Vanguard in New York City, he absorbed the nuances of jazz music, which significantly influenced his musical style. Concurrently, he cultivated a strong interest in rock, punk, and rockabilly music, laying the foundation for his future musical direction. These formative experiences played a crucial role in shaping his career trajectory and contributing to his eventual net worth.
The Rise of The Stray Cats and Early Career
Brian Setzer’s journey in the music industry began with early bands such as the Bloodless Pharaohs and the Tomcats. The Tomcats, co-founded with his brother Gary, marked a significant step in his career. This band eventually evolved into the Stray Cats, with the addition of double bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. In 1980, driven by the aspiration for greater success, the band made a pivotal decision to relocate to London. They sold their instruments to finance their flight tickets, demonstrating their commitment to their musical ambitions. After performing in London for several months, the Stray Cats’ retro sound and rockabilly style caught the attention of Dave Edmunds, a guitarist and record producer known for his affinity for rockabilly and 1950s rock. Edmunds produced their debut album, “Stray Cats,” released in 1981, which featured hit singles like “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town,” propelling them to international recognition and laying the groundwork for Setzer’s future financial success.
Success with “Built for Speed” and Subsequent Albums
Following their initial success, The Stray Cats released their second album, “Gonna Ball,” in 1982, which experienced relatively less commercial success compared to their debut. In 1982, The Stray Cats returned to the U.S. and released their third album, “Built for Speed,” which was a compilation of songs from their first two albums. The album became popular in the U.S., aided by music videos that aired on MTV, significantly broadening their audience and boosting their album sales. In 1983, they released their next album, “Rant n’ Rave with the Stray Cats,” which included the hit single “(She’s) Sexy + 17.” This album was a commercial success, contributing to the band’s overall earnings and cementing Setzer’s position as a leading figure in the rockabilly revival. The Stray Cats disbanded in 1984 but would occasionally reunite to record and tour together in later years, further adding to their collective income.
Solo Career and Transition to Mainstream Sound
After The Stray Cats disbanded in 1984, Brian Setzer embarked on a solo career, taking on roles as a sideman for acts such as the Honeydrippers, led by Robert Plant. He began creating his own music, releasing his first solo album, “The Knife Feels Like Justice,” in 1986. This album marked a departure from his rockabilly roots, exploring rhythm and blues and heartland rock. Produced by Don Gehman and featuring drummer Kenny Aronoff, the album aimed for a more mainstream audience but did not achieve the same commercial success as his work with The Stray Cats. In 1988, Setzer released his second album, “Live Nude Guitars,” which adopted a straight-ahead blues-rock direction. Co-produced with Larson Paine, Chris Thomas, and David A. Steward, the album showcased his versatility as a musician and producer. Later that year, he joined Thorogood, a fellow blues rock musician, on tour, expanding his reach and solidifying his presence in the music scene.
Formation of the Brian Setzer Orchestra
Brian Setzer’s career took a new turn in the 1990s when he formed the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a 17-piece big band that focused on swing music. This venture allowed Setzer to explore his passion for 1950s music, particularly the jump blues of Louis Prima. In 1994, the Brian Setzer Orchestra released their debut album, which introduced their unique blend of swing and rockabilly to a wider audience. The ensemble’s cover version of Louis Prima’s “Jump, Jive an’ Wail,” featured on their 1998 album “The Dirty Boogie” released by Interscope Records, significantly boosted their popularity. The single won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, marking a significant achievement for the orchestra and contributing to Setzer’s financial success. Another track from the album, “Sleep Walk,” also achieved critical and commercial success, winning the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, further cementing the Brian Setzer Orchestra’s place in the music industry. The group frequently performed during the Christmas holidays and embarked on a Christmas tour in 2017, adding to their revenue streams. Between 1994 and 2015, the Brian Setzer Orchestra released nearly 20 albums, compilations, and live albums, generating substantial income for Setzer.
Solo Albums and Grammy Nominations
Alongside his work with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Brian Setzer continued to release solo albums in the 2000s. In 2007, he released “Wolfgang’s Big Night Out,” an album featuring his interpretations of classical pieces such as “Für Elise” and “Symphony No. 5” by Beethoven. This album earned Setzer his eighth Grammy nomination, this time in the Best Classical Crossover Album category, showcasing his versatility and appeal across different genres. In the early 2010s, he produced a series of solo albums, contributing to his earnings as a solo artist. After a seven-year hiatus from releasing new music, Setzer announced the release of his album “Gotta Have the Rumble” in 2021, marking a return to his rockabilly roots and adding to his discography.
Awards, Accolades, and Hall of Fame Induction
Throughout his career, Brian Setzer has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1999, he was honored with the Orville Gibson Life Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to the music industry. In 2015, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, celebrating his achievements as a musician and his impact on the local music scene. These accolades not only acknowledge his artistic achievements but also enhance his reputation, contributing to his net worth through increased opportunities and recognition.
Real Estate Investments
In 2000, Brian Setzer and his then-wife Christine invested in real estate, purchasing a 1-acre property in Malibu, California, for $3 million. This investment reflected Setzer’s financial success and his ability to diversify his assets. In 2005, they sold the Malibu property for $6.3 million, realizing a significant profit on their initial investment. This transaction demonstrates Setzer’s savvy approach to managing his wealth and leveraging real estate for financial gain.
Personal Life Details
Brian Setzer’s personal life has seen several significant relationships. He was married to DeAnna Madsen from 1984 to 1992. In 1994, he married Christine Schmidt, but they divorced in 2002. In 2005, he married Julie Reiten, a former singer with the Dustbunnies, and they currently reside in Minneapolis. While details about his personal spending habits and lifestyle are not publicly available, his long-term presence in the music industry and his successful career indicate a comfortable and affluent lifestyle.
