Overview

Gavin Shane DeGraw, born on February 4, 1977, is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He rose to fame with his hit single “I Don’t Want to Be” from his debut album *Chariot* in 2003, which also became the theme song for the television series *One Tree Hill*. Growing up in a musical family in South Fallsburg, New York, DeGraw began playing piano at the age of eight. He attended Ithaca College and Berklee College of Music before moving to New York City to pursue his music career. DeGraw’s musical style incorporates elements of pop, rock, soul, country, folk, and funk. His other notable singles include “Chariot,” “Follow Through,” and “In Love with a Girl.” He has released several albums, including a self-titled album in 2008, *Free* in 2009, *Sweeter* in 2011, *Make a Move* in 2013, and *Something Worth Saving* in 2016. In 2022, he released *Face the River*. DeGraw’s duet with Colbie Caillat on “We Both Know” received a Grammy Award nomination in 2013. He is married to model/actress Hilary Cole and has two sons. In addition to his music career, DeGraw is also involved in various charitable causes and opened a bar called National Underground in New York City.

National Underground

Owner

What Is Gavin DeGraw’s Net Worth?

Gavin DeGraw, the American singer-songwriter known for his powerful vocals and piano-driven melodies, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million as of 2025. This financial standing is primarily built upon his successful music career, which spans over two decades. His income streams include revenue from album sales, singles, streaming royalties, live performances, songwriting royalties, and various other ventures within the entertainment industry. While specific figures for each income source aren’t publicly available, a breakdown can be estimated based on industry standards and publicly available information. For example, album sales, while less significant in the age of streaming, still contribute, with physical and digital copies of albums like “Chariot” and “Sweeter” continuing to generate revenue. Royalties from streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music form a substantial part of his income, dependent on the number of streams his songs receive. Live performances, including concerts and tours, provide a significant portion of income, varying with venue size, ticket prices, and tour frequency. Songwriting royalties, through organizations like ASCAP and BMI, also contribute to his earnings, based on the usage of his songs in various media. DeGraw’s net worth is also comprised of assets such as his real estate holdings, including a condo in Nashville, Tennessee.

Key Milestones in Gavin DeGraw’s Career and Their Financial Impact

Gavin DeGraw’s career is marked by several key milestones that have significantly impacted his net worth. The release of his debut album “Chariot” in 2003, particularly the hit single “I Don’t Want to Be,” was a pivotal moment. The song’s selection as the theme for the television series “One Tree Hill” provided extensive exposure, driving sales and establishing him as a prominent artist. While the exact sales figures for “Chariot” are not consistently updated, it achieved platinum certification, indicating sales of over one million copies in the United States. This initial success laid the foundation for future projects and increased his earning potential. The release of his self-titled album in 2008, featuring the single “In Love with a Girl,” further solidified his place in the music industry. The album’s debut at number seven on the Billboard 200 demonstrated his continued popularity. “Sweeter,” released in 2011, marked another high point, debuting at number eight on the Billboard 200 and featuring the hit single “Not Over You.” This success contributed to increased touring opportunities and further boosted his income. His collaboration with Colbie Caillat on “We Both Know” for the film “Safe Haven” earned a Grammy Award nomination in 2013. This recognition not only enhanced his reputation but also led to increased demand for his music and performances. In 2021, DeGraw’s real estate investment of $1.15 million for a condo in Nashville further diversified his assets. While not directly related to his music career, this investment contributes to his overall net worth.

Details on Gavin DeGraw’s Music Career and Earnings

Gavin DeGraw’s music career has been the primary driver of his $4 million net worth. His debut album, “Chariot,” released in 2003, featured the hit single “I Don’t Want to Be,” which became a chart-topping success and was certified platinum. While specific sales figures for “Chariot” are not readily available, the platinum certification indicates sales of over one million copies in the United States. This success led to increased touring opportunities and higher performance fees. His self-titled album, released in 2008, included the successful single “In Love with a Girl” and debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200. While precise sales numbers for this album are not publicly available, its chart performance indicates substantial sales and streaming revenue. “Free,” released in 2009, debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200. While not as commercially successful as his earlier albums, it still contributed to his overall earnings through sales, streaming, and touring. “Sweeter,” released in 2011, debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single “Not Over You.” This album’s success further boosted his income and solidified his position in the music industry. His collaboration with Colbie Caillat on “We Both Know” for the film “Safe Haven” earned a Grammy Award nomination in 2013. This recognition not only enhanced his reputation but also led to increased demand for his music and performances. In addition to album sales and streaming revenue, DeGraw earns income from live performances, including concerts and tours. His touring schedule varies from year to year, but he consistently performs at venues of varying sizes, generating revenue through ticket sales and merchandise. DeGraw also earns income from songwriting royalties, which are paid to him whenever his songs are used in various media, including television, film, and commercials. These royalties are collected and distributed by organizations like ASCAP and BMI. While specific figures for his songwriting royalties are not publicly available, they contribute to his overall income.

Gavin DeGraw’s Real Estate and Assets

Gavin DeGraw’s net worth is not solely derived from his music career; he also has investments in real estate and other assets. In August 2021, DeGraw purchased a 2,000-square-foot condo in Nashville, Tennessee, for $1.15 million. This property serves as both a residence and an investment, contributing to his overall net worth. The condo is located in a desirable area of Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and upscale amenities. While specific details about the property’s features and amenities are not publicly available, its location and size suggest it is a valuable asset. In addition to his real estate holdings, DeGraw likely has other investments and assets that contribute to his net worth. These may include stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. However, specific details about these investments are not publicly available. DeGraw’s ownership of The National Underground, a music venue he opened with his brother, was also an asset. Though the Manhattan location closed, the Nashville location represents a business venture that potentially adds to his financial portfolio. While the exact revenue and profitability of the Nashville venue are not publicly disclosed, it contributes to his overall income. It is important to note that net worth is an estimate and can fluctuate based on various factors, including investment performance, market conditions, and personal spending habits. While the available information provides a reasonable estimate of Gavin DeGraw’s net worth, the actual figure may vary.

Earnings from Albums and Singles

Gavin DeGraw’s earnings from album and single sales, as well as streaming revenue, play a significant role in his $4 million net worth. His debut album “Chariot,” released in 2003, featured the hit single “I Don’t Want to Be,” which was certified platinum in the United States, indicating sales of over one million copies. While the exact revenue generated from album sales is not publicly available, it is estimated to be in the millions of dollars, considering the album’s success and the standard royalties paid to artists. His self-titled album, released in 2008, included the successful single “In Love with a Girl” and debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200. While precise sales numbers for this album are not publicly available, its chart performance suggests substantial sales and streaming revenue. His album “Sweeter,” released in 2011, debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single “Not Over You.” This album’s success further boosted his income and solidified his position in the music industry. In addition to album sales, DeGraw earns significant revenue from streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The exact amount of streaming revenue he earns depends on the number of streams his songs receive and the royalty rates paid by these platforms. While specific figures for his streaming revenue are not publicly available, it is estimated to be a substantial portion of his overall income. DeGraw also earns income from digital downloads of his songs and albums through online retailers such as iTunes and Amazon. The revenue from digital downloads depends on the number of downloads and the prices charged by these retailers. While specific figures for his digital download revenue are not publicly available, it contributes to his overall income. It’s important to note that the music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming becoming the dominant form of music consumption. As a result, artists now rely more heavily on streaming revenue than on traditional album sales. Gavin DeGraw has adapted to these changes and continues to generate significant income through streaming platforms.

Additional Ventures and Activities Contributing to Net Worth

Beyond his core music career, Gavin DeGraw’s net worth is also influenced by other ventures and activities. One notable endeavor was the opening of the music venue The National Underground with his brother. The original location in Manhattan, though now closed, and the subsequent venue in Nashville, represent entrepreneurial efforts that contribute to his overall financial portfolio. While specific revenue figures for The National Underground are not publicly available, the Nashville location serves as a business investment. His participation in season 14 of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2012 also provided an additional income stream and increased his public profile. Although he was the fourth contestant eliminated, the appearance likely resulted in performance fees and increased exposure. The amount earned from this appearance is not publicly disclosed. DeGraw’s collaborations with other artists, such as his duet with Colbie Caillat on “We Both Know,” also contribute to his income through royalties and increased exposure. While the specific financial terms of these collaborations are not publicly available, they add to his overall earnings. Songwriting royalties from the use of his songs in television, film, and commercials also contribute to his income. These royalties are collected and distributed by organizations like ASCAP and BMI. The exact amount of these royalties is not publicly disclosed, but they represent a steady source of income. DeGraw’s real estate investments, such as the $1.15 million condo in Nashville, further diversify his assets and contribute to his net worth. These investments provide long-term financial security and potential appreciation in value.

Philanthropy and Charitable Activities

While not directly contributing to Gavin DeGraw’s net worth, his philanthropic activities reflect his values and commitment to giving back. Details of specific charitable donations or initiatives are not extensively publicized, but his involvement in various causes may indirectly enhance his public image and potentially lead to increased support for his music. While philanthropy doesn’t directly increase net worth, it can contribute to positive public perception and brand image, potentially leading to increased opportunities and revenue in the long run. It is important to note that while charitable activities are commendable, they do not directly impact an individual’s net worth. Net worth is primarily determined by assets, investments, and income, rather than charitable contributions. Gavin DeGraw’s primary focus remains on his music career and business ventures, which are the main drivers of his $4 million net worth. His charitable activities are a reflection of his personal values and commitment to making a positive impact, rather than a strategy to increase his wealth.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved