Chrissie Hynde Net Worth

What Is Chrissie Hynde’s Net Worth?

Determining Chrissie Hynde’s exact net worth is challenging as public figures’ financial details are not always fully disclosed. However, estimates based on her successful career as a singer, songwriter, and musician place her net worth in the millions of dollars. This wealth has been accumulated through decades of recording and performing with The Pretenders, as well as her solo work and collaborations.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Chrissie Hynde was born on September 7, 1951, in Akron, Ohio. Her early life provided a foundation for her future musical endeavors. She attended Firestone High School, where her primary interest was music and the rock and roll scene, rather than engaging in typical high school activities. After high school, she enrolled at Kent State University’s Art School, immersing herself in Eastern mysticism, vegetarianism, and the hippie counterculture. Hynde’s time at Kent State coincided with the tragic 1970 Kent State Massacre, an event that deeply affected her as she personally knew one of the four victims. During her university years, she joined a band called Sat. Sun. Mat., which also included Mark Mothersbaugh, who later became a member of Devo. This early musical experience helped shape her path toward a professional music career.

After three years at art school, Hynde moved to London in 1973. Initially, she secured a job at an architectural firm, leveraging her art background, but she left after eight months. Subsequently, she met rock journalist Nick Kent, who facilitated her employment at the music magazine “NME.” Although her tenure at the magazine was short-lived, it provided her with valuable exposure to the music industry. She then worked at the clothing store SEX, owned by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood. Driven by her desire to remain in London, she attempted to convince members of the Sex Pistols, managed by McLaren, to marry her, but this endeavor was unsuccessful. Following this, she tried to form a band in France but eventually returned to Cleveland in the mid-1970s. Soon after, she returned to London and began her pursuit of joining or forming a band. She briefly participated in bands that later evolved into Culture Club and the Damned but struggled to find a stable fit. In 1978, she sent a demo tape to Dave Hill, the owner of Real Records, who agreed to manage her career, marking a significant turning point.

The Pretenders: Formation and Success

Dave Hill advised Chrissie Hynde to carefully assemble her band. She met bassist Pete Farndon, and together they recruited James Honeyman-Scott on guitar, vocals, and keyboard, and Martin Chambers on drums and vocals, with Hynde taking on guitar and lead vocals. They named themselves The Pretenders. The band played their first gig at a club in Paris and released their debut single in January 1979. They followed this with a second single in July, both of which achieved chart success in the UK. In November 1979, they released “Brass in Pocket,” which reached number one in the UK in January 1980, coinciding with the release of their first album, “Pretenders.” The album achieved international success, and they released “Extended Play” and “Pretenders II” shortly thereafter.

The band faced tragedy when James Honeyman-Scott died of an overdose in 1982, just days after Pete Farndon was dismissed from the band. Farndon himself died of an overdose the following year. Robert McIntosh joined on guitar and Malcolm Foster on bass. The lineup continued to evolve, with Hynde remaining the only consistent and founding member. The Pretenders have released 11 albums from 1979 to 2020. The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, cementing their legacy in music history. The consistent record sales and performances of The Pretenders have undoubtedly contributed significantly to Chrissie Hynde’s overall net worth.

Musical Collaborations and Solo Work

Beyond her work with The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde has participated in numerous musical collaborations. She has contributed vocals to tracks for artists such as Mick Farren, Chris Spedding, The Specials, INXS, Moodswings, and Morrissey. Her most notable collaboration outside of The Pretenders was with UB40, when they covered Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe,” which topped the charts in the UK. In 2014, Hynde released her debut solo album, “Stockholm.” She wrote all the tracks herself, and the album featured guest appearances from Neil Young and tennis player John McEnroe, who played electric guitar on one of the tracks. The album received generally positive reviews. These additional musical endeavors have added to her income and overall financial status.

Personal Life and Real Estate

In 1983, Chrissie Hynde had a daughter, Natalie, with Ray Davies of The Kinks. The following year, she married Jim Kerr, the lead singer of Simple Minds. They had a daughter, Yasmin, together in 1985 and lived in Scotland. They divorced in 1990. Hynde then had a relationship with Columbian artist and sculptor Lucho Brieva. They married in 1997 and divorced in 2002. Hynde follows Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism. Once a year, she travels to India for her studies. She has also been a longtime vegetarian and an animal rights activist. She supports PETA and the animal rights group Viva! She also appeared in a commercial for the anti-fur trade organization Respect for Animals. Hynde resides in London and also maintains a residence in her hometown of Akron. Details about the specific addresses or values of these properties are not publicly available.

Chrissie Hynde’s Income Streams

Chrissie Hynde’s net worth is primarily derived from several key income streams:

• Music Royalties: As a songwriter and performer, Hynde earns royalties from the sales and streaming of The Pretenders’ extensive catalog of songs.
• Touring and Live Performances: The Pretenders have consistently toured throughout their career, and live performances contribute significantly to their revenue.
• Solo Album Sales and Royalties: The release of her solo album “Stockholm” in 2014 added another revenue stream through album sales and royalties.
• Collaborations: Her work with other artists, such as UB40, generates income through royalties and performance fees.

The Pretenders’ Album Sales and Impact on Chrissie Hynde’s Net Worth

The Pretenders have released 11 studio albums, and their consistent popularity has translated into significant album sales. Here’s a look at some of their key albums and their impact:

• Pretenders (1980): This debut album was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and the top 10 in the US. Its success established The Pretenders as a major force in rock music and generated substantial initial income for Hynde.
• Pretenders II (1981): Building on the success of their debut, this album further solidified their fanbase and contributed to their growing financial stability.
• Learning to Crawl (1984): Featuring hits like “Back on the Chain Gang” and “Middle of the Road,” this album was a commercial triumph and significantly boosted the band’s income.
• Get Close (1986): Including the hit “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” this album continued the band’s streak of successful releases, adding to Hynde’s financial portfolio.
• Last of the Independents (1994): This album marked a resurgence for the band and generated renewed interest in their music, contributing to their ongoing revenue.

Chrissie Hynde’s Activism and Impact on Net Worth

Chrissie Hynde’s dedication to animal rights activism is well-known. Her association with organizations such as PETA and Viva! has likely garnered media attention and public support, potentially influencing her brand image and earning potential. While the direct financial impact of her activism is challenging to quantify, it is reasonable to assume that her advocacy has positively influenced her career and, consequently, her overall financial status. Additionally, her stance as a vegetarian and her involvement in campaigns against the fur trade may have resonated with certain audiences, potentially expanding her fanbase and income streams.

Additional Ventures and Investments

While specific details about Chrissie Hynde’s investments and business ventures are not publicly available, it is common for successful musicians to diversify their income streams through investments in various sectors. These may include real estate, stocks, or involvement in other business ventures. The financial acumen demonstrated by many artists often plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing their net worth over time. However, without explicit data, it is impossible to determine the precise impact of any such investments on Chrissie Hynde’s overall financial picture.