Net Worth Ranker
What Is Justin Hayward’s Net Worth?
Justin Hayward, the esteemed English musician, singer, and songwriter recognized by his OBE, has accumulated a considerable net worth estimated at $10 million. This financial standing primarily stems from his successful career as the lead singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist of the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues.
Early Career and The Moody Blues
Born on October 14, 1946, in Swindon, Wilshire, England, David Justin Hayward began his musical journey early in life. He attended Shrivenham Primary School and Commonweal School. At 15, he started performing in bands, acquiring a Gibson 335 guitar and a Vox AC30 amplifier. These early performances mostly featured covers of Buddy Holly songs in local Swindon clubs and dance halls. One of his bands, All Things Bright, even had the opportunity to open for notable acts like The Hollies and Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.
At 18, Hayward signed an eight-year publishing contract with artist and record producer Lonnie Donegan, a decision he later regretted. This contract assigned the rights to all his songs written before 1974 to Donegan’s Tyler Music. In 1965, he responded to an advertisement in “Melody Maker” magazine, auditioning for Marty Wilde and subsequently joining Wilde and his wife in The Wilde Three.
A significant turning point in Hayward’s career occurred in 1966 when he answered another advertisement in “Melody Maker,” this time placed by Eric Burdon of The Animals. This led to him replacing Denny Laine as the vocalist and guitarist for The Moody Blues. His introduction to the band was marked by their second album, “Days of Future Passed” (1967), which achieved Platinum certification in both the U.S. and Canada, selling over one million copies each. The success of “Days of Future Passed” was followed by a string of successful albums. Specifically, “On the Threshold of a Dream,” “A Question of Balance,” and “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” all reached #1 in the UK charts. Furthermore, their albums “Seventh Sojourn” and “Long Distance Voyager” both topped the charts in the U.S., underscoring the band’s widespread appeal and commercial success.
Throughout their career, The Moody Blues released a total of 16 studio albums, with their last album released in December 2003. Their impressive discography features several hit singles, including “Go Now,” “Nights in White Satin,” “Question,” “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” “Gemini Dream,” “The Voice,” and “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” These singles contributed significantly to the band’s album sales, exceeding 60 million copies worldwide. A testament to their enduring influence, The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing their legacy in rock music history.
Solo Career and Notable Collaborations
In addition to his work with The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward has pursued a solo career, releasing eight studio albums. His first solo project was a collaboration with fellow Moody Blues member John Lodge, resulting in the album “Blue Jays” in 1975. The album reached the top five in the UK charts, demonstrating Hayward’s appeal beyond the band. The same year, he released the single “Blue Guitar,” recorded with backing band 10cc, which also reached the UK top ten.
A significant highlight of his solo career was the 1978 single “Forever Autumn” from “Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds.” This single achieved considerable success, landing in the UK top five and becoming one of Hayward’s most recognizable solo tracks. “Forever Autumn” sold over 800,000 copies in the UK alone, earning a Gold certification. It continues to be a popular track, often featured on classic rock radio stations.
Awards, Accolades, and OBE
Hayward’s contributions to music have been recognized with several awards and accolades. In 1985, The Moody Blues won the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, acknowledging their collective impact on the music industry. Hayward himself won the Novello for Composer of the Year in 1988 for “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere,” highlighting his songwriting prowess. The single “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart and number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, further demonstrating its commercial success.
In 2000, Justin Hayward received the Golden Note award from ASCAP, one of a few British artists to be honored with this lifetime achievement award. This award acknowledges his significant contributions to music over his career. In 2004, he won BASCA’s Gold Badge for his musical contribution to Britain’s entertainment industry, further cementing his status as a key figure in British music.
At the 2013 Ivor Novello Awards show in London, Marty Wilde presented Hayward with the PRS for Music Heritage Award for Outstanding Achievement, recognizing his lasting impact on the music landscape. A recent highlight in his career was his appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to music. This prestigious honor underscores his significant contributions to the arts and his standing as a respected figure in British society. The OBE is a testament to his enduring influence and dedication to his craft.
Personal Life
Justin Hayward married model Ann Marie Guirron on December 19, 1970. Their daughter, Doremi, sings on Hayward’s song “Raised on Love” from his 1977 album “Songwriter.” The album “Songwriter” sold approximately 200,000 copies worldwide.
Real Estate and Assets
While specific details about Justin Hayward’s real estate holdings and other assets are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he owns properties and investments commensurate with his net worth and career success. His income from album sales, touring, songwriting royalties, and other ventures likely contributes to a diverse portfolio of assets.
Given his long and successful career, it is possible that Hayward has invested in various assets, including real estate, stocks, and other financial instruments. However, without detailed public information, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive breakdown of his assets. His primary residence is likely located in the UK, but specific details about the property, such as its address or value, are not publicly known. Similarly, information about his investment portfolio and other assets remains private.
Earnings and Financial Overview
While precise annual earnings figures for Justin Hayward are not publicly available, it is possible to estimate his income based on various sources, including album sales, touring, and royalties. The Moody Blues have sold over 60 million albums worldwide, generating significant revenue for the band members, including Hayward. As the lead singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist, he would have received a substantial share of the band’s earnings.
Touring also contributes significantly to Hayward’s income. The Moody Blues have toured extensively throughout their career, performing in sold-out arenas and stadiums around the world. In addition to his work with The Moody Blues, Hayward has also embarked on solo tours, further adding to his earnings. These tours typically include performances of his solo material as well as Moody Blues classics, attracting a diverse audience.
Songwriting royalties are another significant source of income for Hayward. As the writer of many of The Moody Blues’ most popular songs, he receives royalties each time his songs are played on the radio, streamed online, or used in movies and television shows. These royalties can generate a substantial income stream over time, particularly for songs that remain popular for decades. For example, “Nights in White Satin” continues to be a popular track, generating significant royalties for Hayward each year.
Other potential sources of income for Hayward may include endorsements, merchandise sales, and investments. However, without detailed public information, it is difficult to quantify these sources of income. Overall, Hayward’s net worth of $10 million reflects his long and successful career in the music industry.
