Net Worth Ranker
What Is Shel Silverstein’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing on May 10, 1999, Shel Silverstein, the multifaceted American writer, humorist, cartoonist, songwriter, musician, and playwright, had accumulated a net worth of $20 million. This substantial wealth was a testament to his diverse creative endeavors spanning literature, music, and theater.
Sources of Shel Silverstein’s $20 Million Net Worth
Shel Silverstein’s $20 million net worth was not solely derived from one area but a culmination of earnings from his successful career.
Literary Works: Silverstein achieved widespread recognition and financial success as an author of children’s books, including “The Giving Tree,” a classic tale sparking ongoing discussions, and “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” a collection of whimsical poems. Additionally, he penned the satirical alphabet book “Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book,” which was a significant financial contributor. The earnings from book sales, including royalties and licensing agreements, formed a vital part of his wealth. “The Giving Tree”, published in 1964, generated substantial revenue through sales and adaptations over the decades. His poetry collection “Where the Sidewalk Ends”, released in 1974, became a best-seller, adding significantly to his earnings.
Musical Compositions: Silverstein was also a prolific songwriter who penned many hit songs for other musicians. His songwriting repertoire included Loretta Lynn’s 1971 #1 single “One’s on the Way” and her 1973 hit “Hey Loretta.” One of his most commercially successful compositions was “A Boy Named Sue,” a hit song for Johnny Cash in 1969. Royalties from these songs, as well as others he wrote for artists such as Tompall Glaser (“Put Another Log on the Fire”) and The Irish Rovers (“The Unicorn”), added considerably to his income. “A Boy Named Sue”, in particular, was a massive hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, resulting in substantial royalties. Furthermore, his collaborative work with Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show on songs such as “Sylvia’s Mother”, “The Things I Didn’t Say”, and “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” significantly boosted his earnings. He also penned songs performed by Bobby Bare, including “The Mermaid” and “Tequila Sheila”.
Playboy Magazine: From 1957, Silverstein served as a leading cartoonist for Playboy magazine. The magazine sent him around the globe to create an illustrated travel journal, which resulted in the feature “Shel Silverstein Visits…”. This exposure significantly boosted his profile, contributing to his financial success. The installments from his time with the magazine spanned from the 50s to the 60s and totaled 23.
Film and Theater: Silverstein composed music for the films “Ned Kelly” and “Who is Harry Kellerman and Why is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” in the 70s. Later, he wrote the Oscar-nominated song “I’m Checkin’ Out” from the 1990 film “Postcards from the Edge.” His playwriting endeavors also contributed to his earnings, with credits including “The Lady or the Tiger Show,” “Remember Crazy Zelda?,” and “The Devil and Billy Markham.” His early play, “Look, Charlie: A Short History of the Pratfall” staged off-Broadway in 1959 also added to his income.
Details of Shel Silverstein’s Early Career and Education
Born on September 25, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Shel Silverstein’s early life laid the foundation for his diverse career. He was raised in a Jewish family and received his education at Roosevelt High School. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign but was later expelled. Subsequently, Silverstein studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Roosevelt University. His education in the arts played a role in refining his creative skills, contributing to his later success as a cartoonist and writer. While still a student, he was drafted into the US Army, serving in Japan and Korea. In the military, Silverstein had some of his cartoons published in the Pacific Stars and Stripes newspaper. After returning to Chicago from his military service, he started submitting his cartoons to magazines while selling hot dogs at ballparks. His cartoons were published in Sports Illustrated and This Week. In 1956, Silverstein’s compilation book “Grab Your Socks!” was published in paperback.
Property and Personal Life
From about 1967 to 1975, Silverstein resided on a houseboat in Sausalito, California. Additionally, he owned homes in Key West, Florida; Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; and Greenwich Village in New York City.
