Net Worth Ranker
What Is Billy Squier’s Net Worth?
Billy Squier, the American rock musician celebrated for his hit “The Stroke,” has amassed a considerable fortune over his career. As of 2025, Billy Squier’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful music career, including album sales, singles, and, significantly, his songs’ enduring popularity through sampling in hip-hop music.
Sources of Billy Squier’s Net Worth
A significant portion of Billy Squier’s net worth comes from royalties generated by his music. His 1981 hit “The Stroke” and his 1980 track “The Big Beat” are among the most sampled songs in hip-hop history. For example, “The Stroke” was sampled in Eminem’s “Berserk,” and “The Big Beat” has been used in numerous tracks, including Jay-Z’s “99 Problems.” Billy reportedly secures as much as 75% of the royalties from songs that sample his work. Given the widespread use of his music, especially “The Big Beat,” in various hip-hop tracks, it’s estimated that Squier has earned tens of millions of dollars in royalties over the years through these arrangements.
His catalog of songs is estimated to be worth at least $50 million, reflecting the value of his compositions and the income they generate. In addition to royalties, Billy Squier’s earnings are boosted by album sales. His album “Don’t Say No” released in 1981 was certified 3x Platinum in the U.S. and Platinum in Canada, which has significantly contributed to his overall earnings. Other successful albums include “Emotions in Motion” (1982) and “Signs of Life” (1984), both certified Platinum in the U.S.
Billy Squier’s studio albums include: “The Tale of the Tape” (1980), “Don’t Say No” (1981), “Emotions in Motion” (1982), “Signs of Life” (1984), “Enough Is Enough” (1986), “Hear & Now” (1989), “Creatures of Habit” (1991), “Tell the Truth” (1993), and “Happy Blue” (1998). Singles such as “Lonely Is the Night,” “My Kinda Lover,” “Everybody Wants You,” and “Rock Me Tonite” have also contributed to his income, with “Everybody Wants You” and “Rock Me Tonite” both reaching #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
Billy Squier’s music has also been featured in numerous film soundtracks, further enhancing his revenue stream. According to IMDb, his music has been featured in over 100 soundtracks, including “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), “Billy Madison” (1995), “Scary Movie” (2000), and “We’re the Millers” (2013). The inclusion of his songs in these films provides additional royalties and exposure, contributing to his net worth.
While specific figures for concert earnings and merchandise sales aren’t publicly available, these sources undoubtedly contributed to Billy Squier’s income during his active touring years. The impact of his live performances and associated merchandise on his net worth should not be understated.
Billy Squier’s Career Milestones and Musical Impact
Billy Squier’s career began to take off in the late 1970s when he signed a record deal as a member of the band Piper. The band released two albums, “Piper” and “Can’t Wait.” Although Piper’s albums did not achieve mainstream success, they helped Squier gain industry recognition and experience. In 1979, Squier signed with Capitol Records as a solo artist, marking a significant milestone in his career. His debut solo album, “The Tale of the Tape,” was released in May 1980 and reached #169 on the Billboard 200 chart. While not a chart-topping success, it laid the groundwork for his subsequent breakthrough.
The release of “Don’t Say No” in 1981 was a pivotal moment, propelling Billy Squier to stardom. The album reached #5 on the Billboard 200 chart and #4 on Canada’s RPM chart, earning 3× Platinum certification in the U.S. and Platinum in Canada. This album featured iconic singles like “The Stroke,” “In the Dark,” “Lonely Is the Night,” and “My Kinda Lover,” solidifying his position in the rock music scene. “The Stroke” and “In the Dark” achieved top 10 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, further enhancing his popularity and financial success.
Continuing his success, Squier’s third solo album, “Emotions in Motion,” released in 1982, reached #5 on the Billboard 200 chart and #8 on Canada’s RPM chart. The album achieved 2× Platinum status in the U.S. and Platinum in Canada, with the single “Everybody Wants You” topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The commercial success of “Emotions in Motion” cemented Billy Squier’s status as a top-tier rock artist, significantly contributing to his growing net worth.
In 1984, Squier released the album “Signs of Life,” which peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Platinum in the U.S. and Gold in Canada. The album included the singles “Rock Me Tonite,” “All Night Long,” “Can’t Get Next to You,” and “Eye on You,” with “Rock Me Tonite” reaching #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Despite not reaching the same commercial heights as “Don’t Say No” or “Emotions in Motion,” “Signs of Life” still contributed significantly to Squier’s financial success through sales and royalties.
The mid-1980s brought continued success for Squier, with his song “Shake Down” featured on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack for “St. Elmo’s Fire” in 1985. The following year, he released the album “Enough Is Enough,” which reached #61 on the Billboard 200 chart. While this album didn’t achieve Platinum status, it included the single “Love Is the Hero,” which featured backing vocals by Freddie Mercury. Squier’s subsequent albums, “Hear & Now” (1989) and “Creatures of Habit” (1991), also charted on the Billboard 200, further adding to his overall earnings.
After leaving Capitol Records in 1993, Squier released his ninth solo album, “Happy Blue,” in 1998 on the independent label J-Bird Records. While “Happy Blue” didn’t achieve the commercial success of his earlier albums, it demonstrated his continued passion for music. As of February 2023, Billy Squier shared a clip of a new song titled “Molly,” which was later released under the title “Harder On A Woman,” indicating his ongoing involvement in music and potential future earnings.
One of the most significant factors contributing to Billy Squier’s lasting impact and net worth is the extensive sampling of his music in hip-hop. His song “The Big Beat” has been sampled in numerous tracks, including Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” Kanye West and Pusha T’s “Looking for Trouble,” and Dizzee Rascal’s “Fix Up, Look Sharp.” Run-D.M.C. sampled “The Big Beat” for their 1983 track “Here We Go (Live at the Funhouse).” Additionally, his song “The Stroke” was sampled by Eminem in “Berserk” and Mickey Avalon in “Stroke Me.” The consistent use of his music in hip-hop has generated significant royalty income, solidifying his financial stability.
Billy Squier’s Real Estate and Personal Life
Billy Squier’s real estate holdings include a residence in the San Remo, an ultra-exclusive New York City building. He fought the co-op when he was told that he would no longer be able to use his fireplace. He also owns a 1-acre property in Bridgehampton on Long Island. However, specific details about the purchase prices or current market values are not publicly available.
In a 2000 “New York Post” article, Squier mentioned his volunteer work with the Central Park Conservancy. He expressed a preference for nature over the business world, indicating his commitment to environmental conservation. In 2009, Squier told the Michigan publication “Northern Express” that he volunteers for the Central Park Conservancy, caring for 20 acres of the park. He stated that landscaping and gardening are rewarding hobbies, helping him learn about himself outside of his profession. These insights into his personal life provide a glimpse into his values and interests, further enriching his public persona.
In 1986, Billy Squier was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television for the “St. Elmo’s Fire” soundtrack. Although he did not win the award, the nomination recognized his contribution to the film’s success and enhanced his reputation as a versatile musician. While specific details regarding any commercial investments Squier may have are not publicly available, it is common for high-net-worth individuals to diversify their assets through various investment vehicles. These investments could include stocks, bonds, real estate, or private equity, contributing to the overall growth of his wealth.
