What is Jerry Cantrell's Net Worth?
Jerry Cantrell is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known for his work with the rock band Alice in Chains. As of recent estimates, Jerry Cantrell's net worth is approximately $25 million. Alongside his illustrious career with Alice in Chains, Cantrell has also enjoyed a successful solo career and various collaborations.
Early Life
Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. was born on March 18, 1966, in Tacoma, Washington. His parents, Gloria Jean Krumpos and Jerry Fulton Cantrell, played crucial roles in his early life. During high school, Jerry Cantrell was the president of the choir, an award-winning competitive group. He developed a fondness for Gregorian chants and cites his choir and drama teachers as major influences in pursuing a musical career. Initially raised on country music, Cantrell found himself drawn to rock music, inspired by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Ace Frehley, Tony Iommi, and Jimmy Page. Other significant influences included Elton John, Heart, and Fleetwood Mac.
Early Career
In the winter semester of 1985, Cantrell decided to leave college and relocate to Dallas, Texas, where he joined a band with friends. He worked at a music store and bought his first real guitar. Cantrell formed Sinister with Vinnie Chas, later evolving the band into Raze. During this time, he met future friends and collaborators Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul of Pantera.
Upon returning to Tacoma a year later, Cantrell formed Diamond Lie with Scott Damon, Bobby Nesbitt, and Matt Muasau. Following the death of his mother, Cantrell was inspired by a performance by Alice N' Chains, leading to his eventual recruitment of Layne Staley and the formation of Alice in Chains.
Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains rose to prominence during the Seattle grunge movement of the 1990s, becoming known for their unique vocal harmonization between Cantrell and Staley. The band achieved international fame, with Cantrell serving as the lead guitarist, co-lyricist, co-vocalist, and primary composer. Following the death of Layne Staley in 2002, Cantrell took on a greater vocal role, later recruiting William DuVall as the second vocalist.
To date, Alice in Chains has sold over 30 million albums globally, including more than 19 million in the United States. They were ranked #34 on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock," cementing their legacy in the 1990s grunge scene.
Catalog Sale
In February 2022, Jerry Cantrell and his bandmates sold their catalog rights to Round Hill Music for $50 million. This deal included 94 songs and 159 recordings but excluded copyrights owned by the heirs of Layne Staley and Mike Starr, who had already sold their rights to Primary Wave Music.
As the primary songwriter, Cantrell was the majority beneficiary of this sale.
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Other Ventures
Beyond Alice in Chains, Jerry Cantrell has released solo albums such as "Boggy Depot," "Degradation Trip Volumes 1 & 2," and "Brighten." He has collaborated with artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Heart, Metallica, Pantera, Pearl Jam, Danzig, and Stone Temple Pilots.
Awards & Accolades
Jerry Cantrell has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. Guitar World ranked him #38 on their "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time" list in 2004, and Metal Hammer named him "Riff Lord" in 2006. Additionally, Guitar World placed him at #37 on their "Greatest Guitar Player of All Time" list in 2012. Along with his band, Alice in Chains, Cantrell has received nine Grammy Award nominations.
Personal Life
Jerry Cantrell resided in Monroe, Washington, during the 1990s before moving to Studio City, California, in the early 2000s. Since 2012, he has lived in Burien, Washington. Cantrell is deeply committed to charity work, supporting organizations like the MusiCares MAP Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Music for Relief, Autism Speaks, and the Rock Against MS Foundation.
