What is Lou Adler's Net Worth?
Lou Adler is an acclaimed American record and film producer, boasting a significant net worth of $250 million. He is renowned for founding Dunhill Productions and Ode Records, playing a crucial role in producing iconic works for artists such as the Mamas & the Papas, Cheech & Chong, and Carole King. Notably, Adler won Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Record of the Year for King's 1971 album "Tapestry." Another major achievement includes producing the 1975 cult classic film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Additionally, Adler co-owns the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California.
In 1964, Adler founded Dunhill Records, discovering the Mamas and the Papas under this label. Utilizing profits from their hits, he co-produced the Monterey International Pop Festival in June 1967, introducing American audiences to prominent artists like The Who, Otis Redding, and Jimi Hendrix. Later in the summer of 1967, Adler sold Dunhill to ABC Records for $3 million and founded Ode Records. He continued to achieve immense success, producing Carole King's hit album "Tapestry" and adapting the British musical "The Rocky Horror Show" into the timeless film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Adler also directed the cult comedy "Up in Smoke" starring Cheech and Chong in 1978.
Early Life
Born Lester Louis Adler on December 13, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Lou Adler was raised in Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood by his Jewish parents, Josephine and Manny Adler.
Career Beginnings
Adler began his music career co-managing rock duo Jan & Dean with Herb Alpert. The pair also ventured into songwriting, creating hits like "River Rock" for Bob Landers and the Cough Drops in 1958 and co-writing "Wonderful World" with Sam Cooke in 1959.
Music Producing
In 1964, Adler co-founded Dunhill Productions with Pierre Cossette, Bobby Roberts, and Jay Lasker, transforming it into a record label a year later. Up until 1967, Adler was the president and chief producer at Dunhill, signing notable acts like the Mamas & the Papas and producing chart-toppers such as "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin'." He also signed artists like Barry McGuire and Grass Roots, achieving hits with "Eve of Destruction" and "Let's Live for Today."
After selling his shares of Dunhill to ABC Records in 1967, Adler established Ode Records. Through this label, he signed and produced for artists like Cheech & Chong, Peggy Lipton, Scott McKenzie, and Carole King, whose album "Tapestry" brought him Grammy recognition.
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Film Career
In film, Adler co-produced the 1967 concert film "Monterey Pop" with John Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas. He produced Robert Altman's 1970 comedy "Brewster McCloud" and found success with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Adler discovered the stage musical in London, securing American rights, and produced both the Los Angeles stage show and the cult film adaptation.
Following "Rocky Horror," Adler directed Cheech & Chong's 1978 stoner comedy "Up in Smoke," which became a cult favorite. His subsequent film, the 1982 teen musical drama "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains," although initially unsuccessful, garnered a cult following on cable TV.
Lakers Seats
Lou Adler owns two courtside Lakers seats and is often seen at games sitting next to Jack Nicholson.
Hostage Incident
In 1976, Adler and his assistant were kidnapped and held hostage for eight hours until a ransom of $25,000 was paid. Authorities later recovered $15,000 of the ransom, and three suspects were arrested, leading to convictions, including a life sentence for one individual.
Personal Life
Adler married actress and singer Shelley Fabares in 1964, with the couple separating in 1966 and officially divorcing in 1980. During their marriage, Adler had a son named Nic with actress and singer Britt Ekland. He later had another son, Cisco Adler, with Phyllis Somer and a son named Sonny from another relationship. In 1992, he married Page Hannah, and together they have four sons: Manny, Ike, Pablo, and Oscar.
Real Estate
Lou Adler owns multiple impressive properties, including a beachfront home in Malibu, which he occasionally rents out for $15,000 to $20,000 per month. In Aspen, he owns at least one ski-in-ski-out mansion. Notably, Adler and friend Jack Nicholson purchased a mansion in Aspen to ensure they could watch Lakers games during vacations. Known as "Newberry House," they listed it for sale in 2012 for $15 million, eventually selling it for $11 million in 2017.
