Net Worth Ranker
What Is George Thorogood’s Net Worth?
George Thorogood, an American musician, singer, and songwriter, has accumulated a net worth of $10 million. His wealth stems from a career spanning several decades, marked by studio albums, touring, and the licensing of his music in various media.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on February 24, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware, George Thorogood’s early life included a stint in semi-professional baseball as a second baseman during the 1970s. Simultaneously, he nurtured his musical talents, learning to play the guitar at a young age and forming a friendship with drummer Jeff Simon in high school.
Thorogood’s professional music career began as a solo performer, drawing inspiration from blues legends such as Robert Johnson, Elmore James, and John P. Hammond. In 1973, he and Jeff Simon established the Delaware Destroyers, later shortened to the Destroyers. The band’s sound, a fusion of Chicago blues and rock and roll, quickly gained traction, with early performances at the Rathskeller bar at the University of Delaware and the Deer Park Tavern.
In 1977, George Thorogood & The Destroyers released his debut album. The following year, he released the next album with the Destroyers, “Move It On Over”.
Breakthrough and Mainstream Success
While the Destroyers had already garnered attention, it was in 1981 when they joined the Rolling Stones as a support act that their mainstream appeal began to rise, opening them up to larger audiences and greater opportunities. October 1982 saw George as the featured musical guest on “Saturday Night Live”.
In 1981, the Destroyers embarked on the “50/50” tour, showcasing their endurance and dedication by performing in all 50 states within 50 days. This rigorous touring schedule further solidified their presence in the music scene. Thorogood’s contract with Rounder Records expired in 1982, leading him to sign with EMI America Records. In the same year, he released the single and album “Bad to the Bone.” The “Bad to the Bone” album achieved gold status, and the title track became the band’s signature song, cementing his position in the music industry. The song’s inclusion in many television shows, films, and commercials significantly boosted Thorogood’s exposure and revenue.
The band continued their success with two more gold albums, “Maverick” and “Born to Be Bad,” in the 1980s. “Maverick” produced Thorogood’s only “Billboard” Hot 100 hit, “I Drink Alone”.
Later Career and Albums
While the 1990s saw a decline in Thorogood’s mainstream popularity, he still achieved success with the track “Get a Haircut” in 1992, which reached the #2 position on the “Billboard” rock track charts. Over the course of the 1990s, the Destroyers released four albums: “Boogie People,” “Haircut,” “Rockin’ My Life Away,” and “Half a Boy/Half a Man”.
Throughout the 2000s, The Destroyers released three additional albums. In 2003, they released “Ride ‘Til I Die”, followed by “The Hard Stuff” in 2006. In 2009, they released “The Dirty Dozen” and the 2011 album “2120 South Michigan Ave.” Thorogood released a solo album in 2017 titled “Party of One”.
In March 2020, Thorogood was inducted into the Mississippi Music Project Hall of Fame in Biloxi, Mississippi, receiving the MMP Music Award for his dedication to the music industry.
Musical Style and Influences
Thorogood’s music is rooted in blues and rock and roll. His inspirations from artists like Robert Johnson, Elmore James, and John P. Hammond. His band, the Destroyers, mixed Chicago blues with rock and roll.
Sales and Certifications
George Thorogood has sold over 15 million records worldwide. He has released 16 studio albums with the Destroyers, including five certified gold. The Album “Bad to the Bone” went gold, as well as the albums “Maverick” and “Born to Be Bad”.
Licensing and Royalties
Thorogood’s song “Bad to the Bone” has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, including “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Married… with Children,” “Christine,” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” contributing to his income through licensing fees and royalties.
Touring and Live Performances
George Thorogood and the Destroyers have maintained a vigorous touring schedule throughout their career, which has contributed significantly to their revenue. In 1981, they embarked on the “50/50” tour, on which they played shows in all 50 states in 50 days.
George Thorogood’s Sources of Income
George Thorogood’s primary income comes from several avenues within the music industry:
- Album Sales: Revenue generated from physical and digital album sales.
- Touring and Live Performances: Income from concert ticket sales, merchandise, and related activities.
- Licensing and Royalties: Earnings from the use of his music in TV shows, films, commercials, and other media.
- Publishing Rights: Royalties from the publishing rights of his songs.
Personal Life
George married Marla Raderman on July 16, 1985. Together, they had a daughter named Rio. In 2019, Marla passed away due to ovarian cancer. In April 2023, Thorogood had to cancel the first leg of his 50th anniversary tour for medical issues.
