Net Worth Ranker
What Was Chuck Berry’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2017, Chuck Berry, the iconic American singer, guitarist, and songwriter, had an estimated net worth of $10 million. This figure reflects his successful career in music, spanning several decades, despite facing legal challenges that temporarily hindered his progress.
Early Career and Success with Chess Records
Born Charles Edward Anderson Berry on October 18, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, Chuck Berry showed an early interest in music. His first public performance was in 1941 while attending Sumner High School. In 1944, he faced a setback when he was arrested for armed robbery and grand theft auto, leading to his incarceration at the Intermediate Reformatory for Young Men at Algoa near Jefferson City. After his release in 1947, Berry worked various jobs to support his family, including factory work, janitorial services, and training as a beautician at Poro College of Cosmetology.
His musical career began to take off in 1953 when he started performing with pianist Johnnie Johnson’s trio. A pivotal moment came on November 12, 1955, when Chuck reportedly heard rock and roll for the first time after receiving a phone call from his cousin, Marvin Berry. This inspired him to travel to Chicago and meet with blues musician Muddy Waters, who directed him to Leonard Chess of Chess Records.
Berry’s breakthrough came in 1955 with “Maybellene,” a revamped version of “Ida Red.” The record became a massive hit, selling over one million copies and topping the “Billboard” rhythm and blues chart. In 1956, he released “Roll Over Beethoven,” which reached #29 on the “Billboard” Top 100. By the end of 1957, Berry was touring the United States with artists such as Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers. Throughout the late 1950s, he consistently produced hit singles, including “School Days,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Sweet Little Sixteen.” By the end of the decade, Chuck Berry had become a major star, even appearing in films like “Rock Rock Rock” and “Go, Johnny, Go!”
Career Fluctuations and Later Years
Chuck Berry’s career experienced interruptions due to legal issues. In December 1959, he was arrested on charges related to having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old waitress, convicted in 1960, and sentenced to five years in jail. After an appeal, the sentence was reduced to three years, and he ultimately served one-and-a-half years before being released in 1963.
Following his release, Berry returned to performing and recording, releasing eight singles between 1964 and 1965, including hit tracks like “No Particular Place to Go,” “You Never Can Tell,” and “Nadine.” From 1966 to 1969, he released five albums under Mercury Records. Although his studio work during this time did not achieve significant commercial success, he remained a popular concert performer. In the 1960s, he completed a successful tour in the UK and played at major North American venues, including Central Park and the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival.
From 1970 to 1973, Berry returned to Chess Records. In 1972, he achieved a new level of success with the live recording of the novelty song “My Ding-a-Ling,” which became his only #1 single. The following year, a live recording of “Reelin’ and Rockin'” became his final Top 40 hit. In 1975, Chuck released a self-titled album, and in 1979, he released “Rockit” under Atco Records; he would not release another studio album for 38 years. While he still toured, Berry faced criminal sanctions from the IRS and pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion. He was sentenced to four months in jail and 1,000 hours of community service, which he fulfilled by performing benefit concerts.
In the 1980s, Berry continued to perform solo, using local bands at each tour stop. In 1987, he was accused of assaulting a woman at Gramercy Park Hotel in New York, ultimately pleading guilty to a lesser charge and paying a small fine. In 1990, he faced a lawsuit from several women who accused him of surveilling them with a restroom video camera. He settled the case out of court through a class action settlement. A police raid on his home revealed salacious videotapes of women and a girl, as well as 62 grams of marijuana. Child abuse charges were dropped, but Berry pleaded guilty to drug possession and received a six-month suspended sentence with two years of probation.
Late Career and Personal Life
From 1996 to 2014, Chuck Berry regularly performed monthly shows at Blueberry Hill, a restaurant and bar in St. Louis. He also toured Europe during this period. On his 90th birthday in October 2016, Berry announced the upcoming release of “Chuck,” his first studio album since 1979. The album featured his children Ingrid and Charles Jr. on harmonica and guitar.
In 1948, Chuck married Themetta Suggs, and they had a child, Darlin Ingrid, in 1950. They later had Aloha, Charles Jr., and Melody. The couple purchased a small brick cottage on Whittier Street, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Berry also owned a part-time home near Wentzville, Missouri, which notably included a guitar-shaped swimming pool.
Chuck Berry’s musical contributions and performances were critical to accumulating his $10 million net worth, considering the income derived from record sales, including his million-selling hits, live performances, tours in the UK and North America, appearances in films and revenues from his publishing rights and royalties.
Death and Legacy
On March 18, 2017, Chuck Berry was found unresponsive near his Wentzville home. A funeral was held the following month in St. Louis at The Pageant, a music club where he frequently performed. A private service honored Berry’s life and career, with guests including KISS’s Gene Simmons and 300 members of the public.
Chuck Berry’s impact on popular music is undeniable. He was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his song “Johnny B. Goode” was included on the Voyager Golden Record, sent into space as a representation of human cultural achievement. His $10 million net worth at the time of his death reflects his enduring success and influence in the music industry.
