Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dinah Shore’s Net Worth?
Dinah Shore, a multifaceted American entertainer celebrated for her singing, acting, and television hosting, had a net worth of $20 million at the time of her death in 1994. Her financial success stemmed from a vibrant career that spanned the Big Band era through decades of television stardom. While specific details regarding the breakdown of her income sources are not fully available, it’s understood that her revenue streams included earnings from music, television, endorsements, and strategic investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Frances Rose Shore on February 29, 1916, in Winchester, Tennessee, Dinah’s journey began with overcoming adversity. At 18 months old, she contracted polio but recovered after intensive care, though she was left with a slight limp. In 1924, her family relocated to McMinnville, Tennessee, where her father established a department store. Dinah’s passion for performing emerged early; at 14, she debuted as a singer at a Nashville nightclub, earning $10 for her performance, though her parents initially put her professional aspirations on hold. She later attended Vanderbilt University, graduating in 1938 with a degree in sociology. During her time at Vanderbilt, she actively participated in campus life, joining the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and making her radio debut on Nashville’s WSM radio station. The radio theme song there, “Dinah,” a 1925 hit tune, later inspired her name change. She used her radio earnings to help pay her college costs.
Music Career and Chart-Topping Success
After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 1938 with a sociology degree, Shore moved to New York City to pursue a singing career. Despite early rejections from prominent bandleaders like Benny Goodman and the Dorsey brothers (Jimmy and Tommy), she persevered and launched a successful solo career. In 1940, she signed a recording contract with RCA Victor Records. She became a featured vocalist on NBC Radio’s “The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street”. This led to a recording contract with RCA Victor and then to a regular gig on Time to Smile with the popular Eddie Cantor. Dinah’s recording career took off, and she had a string of 80 charted popular hits from 1940 into the late ’50s. Some of her most popular recordings included “I’ll Walk Alone,” “The Gypsy,” “The Anniversary Song,” and “Buttons and Bows,” all of which reached #1 on the charts. Dinah Shore’s record sales were second only to those of Bing Crosby; for a considerable time she even outsold Frank Sinatra. Shore earned approximately $115,000 in 1943. Her contributions to the music industry extend beyond just record sales; they include a lasting influence on the evolution of popular music, forging a path for future generations.
Television Career and Endorsements
Transitioning from a successful singing career, Dinah Shore conquered the world of television, becoming a household name. Her television career began in 1937, aged 21, on experimental broadcasts for NBC over station W2XBS in New York. In 1949, she made her commercial television debut on The Ed Wynn Show. After guest spots on programs such as The Ed Wynn Show and The Bob Hope Show, she got her own NBC series in November 1951. “The Dinah Shore Show” became an immediate hit with viewers and critics. In 1956, the program went from 15 minutes to an hour and became The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, which was one of the earliest programs to be shot in color. She hosted “The Dinah Shore Chevy Show” from 1956 to 1963. This show was one of the first to be broadcast in color and became synonymous with Chevrolet, thanks to Shore’s memorable jingle, “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet”. Dinah Shore made TV and print ads, auto show appearances, new dealer dedications, race track appearances, and other Chevrolet product endorsements and special appearances. From 1970 through 1980, Shore hosted two daytime programs, Dinah’s Place (1970–1974) on NBC and Dinah! (later Dinah and Friends) in syndication from 1974 through 1980 and a third cable program from 1989 to 1992. Dinah’s Place, primarily sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive (which later sponsored her women’s golf tournament), was a 30-minute Monday-through-Friday program broadcast at 10:00 am (ET) over NBC, her network home since 1939. Shore won a Golden Globe in 1956 and was nominated for another in 1977. Shore also won six Primetime Emmy Awards and two Daytime Emmy Awards over her career. In 1991, she was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Dinah Shore owned a home in Palm Springs, designed by architect Donald Wexler in 1964, located in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. This mid-century modern estate, spanning over 1.3 acres, was later sold to Leonardo DiCaprio in 2014 for nearly $5.5 million. DiCaprio’s rental, 432 Hermosa located in Palm Springs, is a mid-century modern home previously owned by singer and actress Dinah Shore, with daily rates starting at $3,750 per night with a two-night minimum. The 7,022 sq. ft. home sits on 1.3 acres of manicured land and boasts a guest house next to its sparkling pool and spa along with a tennis court and casita. The estate features a stunning midcentury modern design, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Inside, the home is just as impressive, with luxurious amenities such as a gourmet kitchen, multiple fireplaces, and a spacious master suite. The property boasts a gorgeous pool area, which includes a cabana, hot tub, and plenty of space for lounging in the sun. There’s also a tennis court, perfect for those who want to stay active during their stay. Dinah was married twice and had a daughter and an adopted son. Starting in 1971, Shore had a six-year public romance with actor Burt Reynolds, who was 20 years her junior.
Philanthropic Endeavors and Legacy
Dinah Shore’s influence extended beyond entertainment. She helped start one of the first big-money professional golf tournaments for women. An avid golfer, she founded the Colgate Dinah Shore Winner’s Circle, a major LPGA tournament now known as The Chevron Championship. In acknowledgment of her contributions to golf, Shore was elected an honorary member of the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1994. Shore became a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame when it absorbed the LPGA Hall in 1998. She received the 1993 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, GCSAA’s highest honor. Dinah Shore’s career spanned multiple mediums, earning her numerous accolades and a place in entertainment history. At the time of her passing, Dinah Shore’s estimated net worth was $20 million. Dinah’s legacy as an entertainer and philanthropist underscores her status as one of Hollywood’s most cherished figures.
