What is Alice Cooper's Net Worth?
Alice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter, and musician with an impressive net worth of $50 million. He is best known for his influence on various rock sub-genres such as hard rock, heavy metal, glam rock, and industrial rock. Critics often describe his unique style as 'Shock-Rock,' characterized by elaborate stage props like guillotines, swords, and electric chairs. Beyond music, Alice Cooper has also ventured into film and TV acting.
Early Life
Born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, Alice Cooper hails from Detroit, Michigan. Raised in a devout family, his father was an Evangelist, and his grandfather held a leadership role within the Church of Jesus Christ. Cooper moved to Phoenix, Arizona, during his childhood and attended Cortez High School. His early life was marked by frequent illness and heavy involvement in church activities.
Early Career
In high school, Furnier aspired to be a musician. He formed a parody band for a talent show with friends, including future bandmates Glen Buxton and Dennis Dunaway. Their mock performance, well-received by the audience, led to the creation of a real band named The Spiders. Acquiring instruments from a pawn shop, they released their first single, "Don't Blow Your Mind," in 1966. By 1967, the band moved to Los Angeles and welcomed Neal Smith as their drummer.
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Alice Cooper
In 1968, Furnier decided to make the band's performances more theatrical and suggested the name 'Alice Cooper' to create a stark contrast with their dark shows. By 1975, he had legally changed his name to Alice Cooper, adopting a stage persona of a female villain. This transformation garnered significant attention and headlines, aiding their rise to fame.
Record Deal
A pivotal moment came when music manager Shep Gordon saw potential in the band after a disastrous gig and arranged for an audition with Frank Zappa. Zappa signed them for a three-year deal, leading to the release of their debut album, Pretties for You, in 1969. Despite initial commercial failure, the band refined their 'Shock Rock' style, and media controversies, such as the infamous chicken incident, helped build their reputation.
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Breakthrough
Their third album, Love It to Death (1970), marked a turning point with the hit single "I'm Eighteen", leading Warner Bros. to buy their contract. Subsequent albums, Killer (1971) and School's Out (1972), solidified their success. The latter's title track became an iconic rock anthem. Their 1973 album, Billion Dollar Babies, achieved platinum status, propelled by hits like "No More Mr. Nice Guy." Controversial tours further amplified their fame, but internal disagreements led to the group's split in 1973. Cooper transitioned to a solo career, releasing Welcome to My Nightmare in 1975.
Decline
By 1977, Cooper struggled with alcoholism, leading to hospitalization. The 80s, known as 'the blackout period,' saw him record several albums in a state of heavy intoxication, resulting in commercial failures. However, by the late 80s, he experienced a brief resurgence in popularity, which faded with the decline of glam rock. In the 2000s, he adapted to industrial metal, touring with Rob Zombie in 2010 and Motley Crue in 2014.
Personal Life
Alice Cooper and his wife reside in a luxurious mansion in Phoenix, Arizona. An avid golfer, Cooper often competes in celebrity Pro-Am tournaments, even outplaying former professional golfers.
