The Secret Fortune of Lou Rawls: Unveiling His Massive Net Worth
Lou Rawls was one of the greatest American jazz, blues, and soul singers of the 20th century. But his financial success is something that has always been kept a secret. Born on December 1, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Rawls started his career in the late 1950s and continued to sing until his death in 2006. His golden voice won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide and his music remains popular to this day. In this blog post, we will unveil the massive net worth of Lou Rawls and explore some interesting facts about his life and career.
Early Life and Career
Lou Rawls started singing in a church choir at the age of 7. He joined the US Army after finishing high school, where he was assigned to the 13th Airborne Division. He started his professional career as a member of various gospel groups. In the late 1950s, Rawls joined the Pilgrim Travelers, a popular gospel group based in Los Angeles, as their lead singer. He later became a solo artist and released his first album, “Stormy Monday” in 1962.
Rawls’ Music Career
Lou Rawls was known for his smooth, soulful voice and his ability to blend various genres of music. He released over 50 albums during his career, won three Grammy Awards, and charted more than 25 Billboard hits. Some of his most famous songs include “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” “Lady Love,” and “See You When I Git There.” Rawls also appeared in movies and television shows and was a popular guest on talk shows.
Business Ventures
Apart from his music career, Lou Rawls was also a successful businessman. He owned several restaurants and nightclubs in California, including the popular “Lou Rawls Parade of Stars” nightclub in Los Angeles. He also appeared in commercials for various products and lent his voice to several animated TV shows.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Lou Rawls was known for his philanthropic work and supported various charitable organizations during his lifetime. He was a co-founder of the United Negro College Fund’s annual telethon, which raised millions of dollars for historically black colleges and universities. Rawls also established the “Lou Rawls Fund for Cancer Research” after he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004.
Personal Life and Family
Lou Rawls was married twice and had three children. He was married to his first wife, Martha Boyd, for 24 years and had two daughters with her. He later married his second wife, Nina Malek Inman, in 2004, just two years before his death from lung cancer.
Net Worth and Estate
Lou Rawls had a net worth of over $10 million at the time of his death in 2006. His estate was estimated to be worth more than $20 million and included various properties, businesses, and investments. He also left behind a vast collection of music recordings, which are still being discovered and released to this day.
Legacy and Influence
Lou Rawls’ music and style continue to inspire artists and musicians today. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. His soulful voice and smooth jazz style have influenced many musicians, including Michael Bublé and John Legend.
Interesting Facts about Lou Rawls
– Lou Rawls won his first Grammy Award for the song “Dead End Street” in 1967.
– He was a close friend of Frank Sinatra and they often performed together.
– Rawls appeared in several movies, including “Blues Brothers 2000” and “Leaving Las Vegas.”
– He was a regular on the hit TV show “The Dean Martin Show.”
– Lou Rawls’ signature song, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” was actually written by songwriters Gamble and Huff for another artist, but Rawls convinced them to let him record it.
Conclusion
Lou Rawls was one of the most celebrated singers of his generation and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians. While he may have kept his financial success a secret during his lifetime, his legacy as a successful businessman and philanthropist lives on.
FAQs
Q1. When did Lou Rawls die?
A. Lou Rawls died on January 6, 2006, from lung cancer.
Q2. What were Lou Rawls’ most famous songs?
A. Some of Lou Rawls’ most famous songs include “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” “Lady Love,” and “See You When I Git There.”
Q3. How many albums did Lou Rawls release?
A. Lou Rawls released over 50 albums during his career.
Q4. What was Lou Rawls’ net worth?
A. Lou Rawls had a net worth of over $10 million at the time of his death in 2006.
Q5. What philanthropic work did Lou Rawls support?
A. Lou Rawls supported various charitable organizations during his lifetime, including the United Negro College Fund’s annual telethon and the “Lou Rawls Fund for Cancer Research.”