Net Worth Ranker
What Was Natalie Cole’s Net Worth?
At the time of her death on December 31, 2015, Natalie Cole, the acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and performer, had a net worth of $5 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career spanning several decades, marked by both significant successes and financial challenges.
Natalie Cole’s Music Career and Earnings
Natalie Cole’s journey in music began in her childhood, singing on her father, Nat King Cole’s Christmas album at the age of six. Her professional career took off after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1972. She initially performed in small clubs with her band, Black Magic. In 1975, her debut album, “Inseparable,” was released under Capitol Records. The album included hit songs such as “This Will Be” and “I Can’t Say No”. “This Will Be” became a top ten hit and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She also won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards that same year. Following the success of “Inseparable”, Cole released her second album “Natalie”, which featured the singles “Sophisticated Lady” and “Mr. Melody”. Her third album, “Unpredictable,” became her first platinum record, largely thanks to the number one hit single “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.” “Thankful,” her fourth album, also achieved platinum status, featuring the hit “Our Love.” These early successes established her as a prominent figure in the R&B music scene, though specific financial figures from album sales and royalties during this period are not publicly available. In 1979, Natalie received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame solidifying her success.
Cole’s career experienced a slide in the 1980s, compounded by personal struggles with drug addiction. In 1983, after the release of “I’m Ready”, she entered rehab for six months. However, she made a significant comeback in 1987 with the album “Everlasting,” signaling a resurgence in her career. Exact sales figures and earnings from this period are not fully documented in publicly accessible records.
One of Natalie Cole’s most significant career moments came in the 1990s with the release of “Unforgettable… with Love.” This album featured re-recordings of her father’s most iconic hits. It sold over seven million copies. The album also featured an interactive duet between her and her father on the title song “Unforgettable”. In 1993, her jazz CD “Take A Look,” won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. Cole’s CD Stardust featured a second duet with a Nat King Cole recording on “When I Fall in Love”. It was a huge success and won the 1996 Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Although precise figures are not available, the success of “Unforgettable… with Love” and her subsequent jazz albums significantly boosted her earnings during the 1990s. In 1994, she released “Holly and Ivy,” her first holiday album, which was certified gold in 1996. In 1998, she performed at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute. Additionally, she performed alongside Al Jarreau on HBO’s “Comic Relief” special in 1990. These high-profile performances further enhanced her income and solidified her status.
In 2002, Natalie switched to Verve Records and released two albums: “Ask a Woman Who Knows” (2002) and “Leavin'” (2006). While these albums were well-received, detailed sales figures and earnings data from this period are not widely available.
Bankruptcy Filing
Despite her musical achievements, Natalie Cole filed for bankruptcy in 1997. This was reportedly due to out-of-control spending habits. She also owed millions in royalties to her father’s estate for their duet album. The specifics of this bankruptcy, including the exact amount of debt and the resolution, are not fully detailed in public records. It is important to note that this financial setback occurred despite her successful career, highlighting the complexities of managing wealth in the entertainment industry. While the bankruptcy filing would have impacted her net worth at the time, the $5 million figure at the time of her death suggests a recovery and rebuilding of her financial status in the subsequent years.
Film and Television Career Earnings
Natalie Cole also ventured into acting, portraying herself in “Livin’ for Love: the Natalie Cole Story” in 2001. Her performance in the film earned her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special. In addition to this, Cole appeared on “Real Housewives of New York City” on July 22, 2011. Though specific salary details for these roles are not publicly accessible, her involvement in these projects contributed to her overall income.
Natalie Cole’s Personal Life and Relationships
Natalie Cole was married three times: first to Marvin Yancy, then to producer Andre Fischer in 1989 (divorced in 1995), and finally to Bishop Kenneth Dupree in 2001 (split in 2004). Her personal life details, while significant in her overall biography, do not directly contribute to the quantifiable aspects of her net worth. She had a son, Robert Adam “Robbie” Yancy, who was born in 1977 and died of a heart attack at age 39 in August 2017. Robbie was a musician who toured with his mother, but his earnings and personal finances are separate from his mother’s.
Health Issues and Their Impact
Cole faced significant health challenges, including hepatitis C and kidney failure. She underwent treatment for hepatitis C, and required dialysis several times a month. Cole canceled several events in December 2015 due to illness. The costs associated with these treatments and periods of reduced work capacity may have affected her financial situation, though specific figures are not available. She died on December 31, 2015, at the age of 65. Her publicist Maureen O’Connor stated that the cause of death was congestive heart failure. Her funeral was held on January 11, 2016, at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles.
Nat King Cole Estate Details
Nat King Cole, Natalie’s father, left behind an estate valued at $3.5 million in 1965, which is equivalent to approximately $30 million in today’s dollars. However, due to estate taxes and other costs, his family received just $1 million, equivalent to $7 million today. While this event influenced Natalie Cole’s early life, there are no publicly available records showing how this inheritance, or lack thereof, directly impacted her later net worth.
Summary of Natalie Cole’s Net Worth
Natalie Cole’s $5 million net worth at the time of her death reflects a multifaceted career in the music and entertainment industry. It was marked by significant successes, including platinum-selling albums and Grammy Awards, as well as personal and financial challenges, such as her bankruptcy filing. While specific financial figures for various aspects of her career remain undocumented, the available information provides a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to her overall net worth. Her legacy as a talented and resilient artist continues to resonate within the music industry and beyond.
