Jerry Cantrell is a well-known singer and songwriter who changed rock music forever. He is known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the famous rock band Alice in Chains.
Cantrell helped form the sound of alternative metal in the 1990s with his unique way of playing guitar and his hauntingly personal songs. Critics have praised his work with the band and as a solo act, and both have helped him make money. Because of this, Cantrell’s wealth has grown over time.
This article details Jerry Cantrell net worth and what makes him one of the most respected people in rock music today.
What is Jerry Cantrell’s Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
In 2023, Jerry Cantrell is best known as the creator, lead guitarist, co-lead singer, and songwriter for the famous rock band Alice in Chains. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated at $25 million.
Cantrell’s wealth primarily comes from his successful music career with Alice in Chains and as a solo artist. His most recent solo album, Brighten, was released in 2021.
Jerry Cantrell’s Overview: Why is Jerry Cantrell Famous?
Early Life
Jerry Cantrell was born in Tacoma, Washington, on March 18, 1966. His mother, Gloria, and his maternal grandma raised him in Spanaway after his parents split up when he was seven.
Cantrell was exposed to various musical influences, including Jimi Hendrix, Heart, Black Sabbath, and Queensrÿche.
He attended junior high and high school in Spanaway, where he joined the high school choir and participated in state competitions.
Cantrell’s interest in music grew, and when he was in sixth grade, he picked up a guitar for the first time. He learned to play by ear and tried to be like the musicians he looked up to.
By the time he was 15, he bought his first guitar, a Korean-made Fender Stratocaster, at a swap meet.
During his teenage years, Cantrell developed his own way of playing guitar and started to write songs. He named Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Soundgarden as some of his early influences.
Career
Cantrell became famous all over the world in the early 1990s as part of the grunge movement. He was in bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, which are all well-known bands.
Alice in Chains stood out from other bands because of their unique singing style. Cantrell and Layne Staley, the band’s original lead singer, sang in harmony, which made their sound stand out.
After Staley’s tragic death in 2002, Cantrell became the lead voice for the band’s albums after Staley, such as:
- Black Gives Way to Blue (2009)
- The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here (2013)
- Rainier Fog (2018)
William DuVall joined him on harmonies and live performances.
Throughout his career, Cantrell has been known for his unique guitar playing, which mixes heavy metal, blues, and country. He is also known for his creative use of the wah pedal and weird time signatures.
His guitar work has earned him admiration from fellow musicians, such as
- Dimebag Darrell of Pantera and Damageplan
- Kerry King of Slayer
- Elton John
Cantrell has done a lot of things besides work with Alice in Chains. He has made guest performances on albums by Danzig, Metallica, and Circus of Power, among others.
Cantrell’s extensive list of guitars, amps, and effects used throughout his career reflects his constant pursuit of the perfect sound.
Some notable instruments include:
- Stratocaster-type Partscaster
- G&L Rampage
- Guild JF-55
- Fender Telecaster
- Gibson Flying V
His admiration for Eddie Van Halen led him to favor G&L guitars, particularly the Rampage model, which resembles Van Halen’s famous Frankenstrat.
Cantrell became an official Gibson endorser in 2020, which added to his reputation as one of the most important guitarists of his time.
Awards & Accolades
As a member of Alice in Chains and as a single artist, Cantrell has won many awards and been praised for his work. Cantrell’s impressive list of accomplishments includes the band’s own awards and votes.
As a solo act, Cantrell has been nominated for eleven GRAMMY® Awards and has sold over 30 million records around the world.
In 2006, the British hard rock/metal magazine Metal Hammer gave him the title Riff Lord, beating out famous guitarists like Slash, James Hetfield, and Jimmy Page.
Guitar World Magazine has also recognized Cantrell’s talent, ranking him 38th in their list of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time in 2004 and 37th in their list of Greatest Guitar Players of All Time in 2012.
Personal Life
Cantrell’s father, Jerry Sr., served in the Vietnam War. He was the main focus of the song Rooster, which Cantrell wrote to honor him.
Cantrell found comfort in music and made close friends, including the late lead singer of Alice in Chains, Layne Staley, who he thought of as his best friend. Cantrell has faced addiction and alcoholism but has been sober since 2003.
He received the 2012 Stevie Ray Vaughan Award from MusiCares for his work helping other addicts with the recovery process.
Cantrell has shown a lot of strength and commitment to his music throughout his life. He has gotten through hard times and kept making powerful and important art.
FAQs about Jerry Cantrell
How much does Jerry Cantrell make per show?
Jerry Cantrell’s booking fee is in the starting range of $75,000-$149,999 per show.
How much was Layne Staley, Alice in Chains’ lead singer, worth at the time of his death?
Layne Staley had a net worth equal to $5 million at the time of his death in 2002.
Did Jerry Cantrell sell his catalog rights?
In February 2022, Jerry Cantrell and his bandmates sold their catalog rights to Round Hill music for $50 million.
Has Jerry Cantrell pursued a solo career?
Yes, Jerry Cantrell has released solo albums such as Boggy Depot, Degradation Trip Volumes 1 & 2, and Brighten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jerry Cantrell’s net worth is a sign of how talented, dedicated, and business-minded he is. Cantrell has made a lot of money and gotten a lot of praise for his groundbreaking work with Alice in Chains and his successful solo business.
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