Net Worth Ranker
What Is Joe Walsh’s Net Worth?
Joe Walsh, a multifaceted American musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor, has accumulated a substantial net worth estimated at $75 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career as a guitarist and vocalist for the iconic rock band, the Eagles, as well as his accomplishments as a solo artist. Walsh’s journey in the music industry began in the late 1960s with the James Gang, where his guitar prowess and songwriting contributed significantly to their hits. His transition to a solo career in 1972 further solidified his place in rock history, followed by his pivotal role in the Eagles starting in 1975.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Joseph Fidler Walsh on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, Joe Walsh’s upbringing was marked by musical influences from his mother, a classically trained pianist. Adopted by his stepfather at age five after his biological father’s passing, Walsh’s early life included a period in Columbus, Ohio. He received his first guitar at age 10, learning “Walk Don’t Run” by The Ventures. At 12, his family relocated to New York City. He later attended Montclair High School, where he played the oboe in the school band. He became part of a popular local band, the Nomads, and then played in various bands while attending college at Kent State University. Walsh majored in English and minored in music and was present during the Kent State massacre in 1970, after which he dropped out of the university.
After leaving school, Joe Walsh reached a national audience when he became lead guitarist of the James Gang. The James Gang opened up for The Who on a European tour and had several minor hits, including “Funk #49,” which highlighted his skills as both a singer and a guitarist.
Walsh’s career gained significant momentum after leaving school, he became lead guitarist of the James Gang, where his unique guitar work and vocals quickly garnered attention. The band toured Europe as the opening act for The Who, providing invaluable exposure. “Funk #49” became a defining hit for the James Gang, highlighting Walsh’s skills as both a guitarist and singer, contributing substantially to the band’s popularity and setting the stage for his future endeavors. Walsh left the James Gang in 1972 and formed Barnstorm with college friend Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli. The band stayed together for three years and produced three albums. Their last album, 1974’s “So What,” contained many guest contributions from several members of the Eagles.
Rise to Fame with the Eagles and Solo Success
In 1975, a pivotal moment in Joe Walsh’s career arrived when he joined the Eagles, replacing Bernie Leadon as the band’s guitarist and keyboardist. This transition led to the creation of “Hotel California,” an album that has sold 32 million copies worldwide, cementing its place as one of the best-selling albums in history. The singles from the album included “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” Joe Walsh co-wrote “Life in the Fast Lane,” which reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The next year, the Eagles released their first compilation album, “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975),” which became the highest-selling album of the 20th century in the United States. Their next album, 1979’s “The Long Run,” took two years to complete and sold seven million copies. Three top ten singles by Walsh received considerable airplay: “Heartache Tonight,” The Long Run,” and “I Can’t Tell You Why.” The Eagles split up in 1980 and took a fourteen-year hiatus, meanwhile, Joe went his own separate way entirely.
Beyond his work with the Eagles, Joe Walsh also cultivated a successful solo career. He released albums such as “So What,” “You Can’t Argue with a Sick Mind,” and “But Seriously, Folks…” Following the break-up of the Eagles, he continued to release solo albums throughout the eighties, although sales never quite met the same level as his earlier successes. He released “There Goes the Neighborhood” in 1981, and it peaked at #20. The album spawned just one single, but it went on to become one of Walsh’s most popular tunes, “A Life of Illusion.” In May 1983, he released “You Bought It — You Name It,” which was largely negatively reviewed by critics. He released two more albums in the eighties that were deemed commercial disappointments. Walsh went on to release four more albums: 1991’s “Ordinary Average Guy,” 1992’s “Songs for a Dying Planet,” 2012’s “Analog Man,” and 2013’s “All Night Long: Live in Dallas.”
Over the years, Walsh has collaborated with countless big names in the music industry, including BB King, Dan Fogelberg, Randy Newman, Bob Seegar, Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Warren Zevon, and many others. In 2001, he joined the Eagles reunion and resumed touring with them. Walsh’s individual contributions and the Eagles’ collective success have substantially contributed to his $75 million net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Investments
Joe Walsh’s real estate portfolio includes several notable properties. His primary residence is a 20-acre property in the “Beverly Hills Post Office” area, acquired in 2008 for $4.5 million. Previously, he owned a mansion in Studio City, California, for about three decades, selling it in 2018 for $1.9 million. In 2013, Walsh purchased a home above Beverly Hills, California, for $3.95 million, later listing it for sale in May 2019 for $5.3 million and ultimately selling it for $4.6 million in October 2019.
Other Ventures
Walsh has also appeared in “The Blues Brothers,” “RoboCop,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “MADtv,” and “The Voice.” Walsh has long been active in preserving Santa Cruz Island’s parks and is President of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation. In 1980, he had a mock presidential campaign where he promised free gas for everyone. In 2012, he told WASH FM that he would seriously consider running for Congress. In 2017, Walsh organized and performed in what became VetsAid, a concert series similar to the likes of Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid.
Recognition and Legacy
Joe Walsh’s impact on music is evident through numerous accolades and recognitions. He has been ranked #54 on “Rolling Stone”‘s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, underscoring his influence and skill as a guitarist. As a member of the Eagles, he has won five Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles in 1998. Walsh’s guitar solo for “Hotel California” was selected the best guitar solo of all time by “Guitarist” magazine in 1998. His guitar work has been praised by Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Pete Townshend. He has produced albums for Ringo Starr and Dan Fogelberg.
