Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael Bolton’s Net Worth?
Michael Bolton, an American singer-songwriter, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $80 million throughout his illustrious career. His financial success is a result of his achievements in the music industry, including album sales, songwriting royalties, touring, and other ventures.
Music Career and Earnings
Bolton’s music career began in 1975, and he has since sold over 75 million records worldwide. He gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his pop-rock ballads. His 1991 album, “Time, Love & Tenderness,” sold over 16 million copies and featured the hit song “When a Man Loves a Woman,” which won him a Grammy Award. In 1997, Bolton’s song “Go the Distance,” featured in the Disney film “Hercules,” reached number one on the charts, further boosting his earnings. The specific breakdown of his earnings from album sales, royalties, and streaming is not publicly available, but his consistent chart success and extensive touring have contributed significantly to his net worth. As a songwriter, Bolton has penned hits for himself and other artists, including “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” originally written for Laura Branigan. Royalties from these songs continue to generate income.
In 1992, Michael Bolton was involved in a copyright infringement lawsuit with The Isley Brothers. They claimed that Bolton’s song “Love is a Wonderful Thing” copied their 1966 song with the same name. A jury ruled in favor of The Isley Brothers in 1994, ordering Bolton, his songwriter, and Sony Publishing to pay $5 million in damages. Ultimately, after a lengthy legal battle that ended in 2001, The Isley Brothers received $4.2 million from Sony Music, $932,924 from Bolton, and $220,785 from Bolton’s songwriter.
Bolton has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, including Ray Charles, Celine Dion, and Zucchero. These collaborations have not only enhanced his reputation but also contributed to his financial success. Specific details regarding the financial arrangements of these collaborations are not publicly disclosed.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2008, Michael Bolton listed his waterfront mansion in Westport, Connecticut, for $11 million. The property, located on Nash’s Pond, included a 9,600-square-foot residence on 2.71 acres, featuring a resort-style pool. Bolton also offered a separate lot with a 5,400-square-foot building on 1.2 acres, which he had used as a private music studio. He purchased the larger property in 1991 for $975,000 and the smaller one in 1992 for an undisclosed sum. The sale details of these properties, including the final selling prices, are not publicly available. However, owning such properties contributes significantly to his overall net worth. As of 2015, the properties were still listed for sale.
Film Career and Other Ventures
Michael Bolton has made several appearances in film and television, including cameo roles in “Meet Wally Sparks” and “Two and a Half Men.” He also participated in the eleventh season of “Dancing with the Stars.” In 2018, he co-directed and executive produced the documentary “American Dream: Detroit,” which highlighted the economic resurgence of Detroit and featured interviews with prominent figures like Francis Ford Coppola, Aretha Franklin, and Alice Cooper. Earnings from these film and television appearances, as well as his role as a director and executive producer, add to his overall income. Specific salary details for these projects are not publicly accessible. Furthermore, Michael Bolton has been featured in commercials for Honda and Pizza Hut. His earnings from these endorsement deals are not publicly known.
Personal Life
Michael Bolton was married to Maureen McGuire in 1975, and they had three children together before divorcing in 1990. He later dated actress Nicollette Sheridan, with an on-and-off relationship spanning several years, including an engagement that was eventually called off. In early 1994, Paula Barbieri, who was dating O.J. Simpson at the time, appeared in Bolton’s music video for “Completely.” While these personal relationships have garnered media attention, they have no direct impact on his net worth.
