Net Worth Ranker
What Is Pat Boone’s Net Worth?
Pat Boone, a multifaceted entertainer recognized as a singer, composer, actor, author, and television personality, has amassed a net worth of approximately $50 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career spanning several decades, encompassing music, television, film, and literary endeavors.
Early Career and Musical Success
Boone’s journey began in Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent his formative years after moving from Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of two. He attended David Lipscomb High School, graduating in 1952. His academic pursuits continued through David Lipscomb College, Lipscomb University, and North Texas State University, culminating in a magna cum laude graduation from Columbia University in 1958. These formative years played a role in his future success.
His formal music career launched with performances in Centennial Park in Nashville. Boone began recording in 1953, and by 1955, he had achieved his first major hit with a cover of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame.” In the late 1950s, he achieved commercial success by covering songs by black artists, which included “Tra La La-a,” “Two Hearts Two Kisses,” “I Almost Lost My Mind,” “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Don’t Forbid Me.” Throughout his music career, Pat Boone sold over 45 million albums and achieved 38 Top 40 hits, marking significant milestones in his earnings from record sales and royalties.
In 1956, Boone released his first two albums: the self-titled “Pat Boone,” which was a compilation of previously released singles, and “Howdy!,” which was his official debut. The next year, he released a total of five albums, including “A Closer Walk with Thee” and “Four by Pat,” the latter of which made it to number five on the Billboard charts. In 1958, Boone had his highest-charting album with “Stardust,” which peaked at number two. He had subsequent successful albums with “Yes Indeed!,” “Tenderly,” “Moonglow,” and “Moody River.” These musical milestones contributed significantly to his financial success.
Television and Film Ventures
Boone’s foray into television began in the late 1950s as a regular guest on “Ozark Jubilee.” This exposure led to a longterm endorsement deal with General Motors, enhancing his income and public profile. At 23, in 1957, he began hosting his own variety show on ABC, “The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom,” which ran until 1960. The show featured artists such as Pearl Bailey, Johnny Mathis, and Edie Adams.
His film career commenced in 1957 with “Bernardine,” followed by “April Love,” which included an Academy Award-nominated title song performed by Boone. In 1959, he starred in “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Subsequent film credits include “All Hands on Deck,” “State Fair,” “The Main Attraction,” “The Horror of it All,” “The Yellow Canary,” “Never Put it in Writing,” and “Goodbye Charlie.” His roles in these films, particularly the successful ones, provided substantial income through salaries and potential profit-sharing agreements.
Boone continued to act, starring in “The Perils of Pauline” in the late 1960s. In 1970, he starred opposite Erik Estrada in “The Cross and the Switchblade.” Boone didn’t return to film acting until 2016, when he appeared in the Christian drama “God’s Not Dead 2,” followed by “A Cowgirl’s Story” in 2017. These later roles, while not as commercially impactful as his earlier work, added to his earnings.
Literary Works and Business Ventures
Boone’s literary career began with the 1958 bestseller “‘Twixt Twelve and Twenty: Pat Talks to Teenagers,” which marked the beginning of his successful authorship. Over the subsequent decades, he published a plethora of further books, most focused on Christianity. Titles include “A Miracle Saved My Family,” “Joy!,” “Pray to Win,” “Jesus is Alive,” and “Pat Boone Devotional Book.” His success as an author contributed to his overall financial picture through royalties and sales.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Boone founded Lion & Lamb Records in the early 1970s. This venture allowed him to have greater control over his music and potentially profit from other artists, further enhancing his financial assets. While specific figures for the label’s revenue are not publicly available, it played a role in his business portfolio.
Later Career and Personal Life
In 1997, Boone released “In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy,” an album featuring covers of hard rock and metal songs in a big band style. Despite initial bewilderment from his older fans, the album became his most commercially successful in over 30 years. This resurgence, though unexpected, positively impacted his financial standing, revitalizing his music career and broadening his audience.
Growing up in the Church of Christ, Boone has maintained a strong religious identity throughout his life. In 1964, he spoke at a large conservative rally in Los Angeles promoting mandatory prayer in schools. In the early 1970s, he hosted Bible studies for celebrities. While these activities did not directly impact his financial status, they shaped his public image and influenced his career choices.
In 1953, at the age of 19, Boone married Shirley Lee Foley, daughter of country music star Red Foley and singer Judy Martin. Together, they had four daughters: Cheryl, Linda, Deborah, and Laura. Shirley’s passing in 2019 marked a personal loss for Boone. His family life has been a significant part of his public persona but has had an indirect effect on his financial success.
Analyzing Pat Boone’s Net Worth
Pat Boone’s $50 million net worth is a result of a diverse range of income streams, including music sales, television appearances, film roles, book royalties, and business ventures. His career, which began in the 1950s, has seen multiple phases, each contributing to his financial success. From his early hits covering R&B classics to his later focus on gospel music and his unexpected foray into metal covers, Boone has demonstrated an ability to adapt and remain relevant.
His television career, particularly “The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom,” provided significant exposure and income through endorsements and hosting fees. His film roles, especially in the late 1950s and early 1960s, added to his earnings and enhanced his public profile. As an author, his books, especially those with a Christian theme, have sold steadily over the years, generating royalties.
Lion & Lamb Records, his record label, provided an additional avenue for income and creative control. Although specific financial details for this venture are not publicly available, it contributed to his overall financial picture.
Overall, Pat Boone’s net worth reflects a long and varied career in the entertainment industry, marked by commercial success, adaptability, and a strong personal brand. His ability to navigate different genres and media has allowed him to maintain a level of financial stability and success that few artists achieve.
