Timothy B. Schmit Net Worth

Timothy B. Schmit: From Poco to the Eagles and Beyond

What is Timothy B. Schmit’s Net Worth?

Timothy B. Schmit, a name synonymous with rock and country rock royalty, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a celebrated musician, singer, and songwriter, Schmit’s contributions to iconic bands such as the Eagles and Poco have solidified his legacy. His net worth, reflecting his decades-long career, is estimated at a substantial $25 million. Interestingly, Schmit’s entry into both the Eagles and Poco involved him replacing Randy Meisner, a testament to his unique talent and adaptability.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Oakland, California, in 1947, Timothy B. Schmit’s passion for the arts ignited early. Growing up in Sacramento, he took tap dance lessons as a young child, setting the stage for a life immersed in performance. At the age of 15, Schmit’s musical journey began with the folk music group Tim, Tom & Ron. This early endeavor evolved into a surf band, the Contenders, later renamed the New Breed. The New Breed achieved some radio success with their 1965 hit, “Green Eyed Woman.” Further evolution led to another name change to Glad, which produced the 1968 album “Feelin’ Glad,” showcasing Schmit’s developing musical prowess.

Poco: The Genesis of a Country Rock Legend

In 1968, Schmit’s path crossed with the country rock band Poco. Although initially passed over in favor of founding member Randy Meisner, fate intervened. When Meisner departed Poco in 1969, Schmit seized the opportunity, taking over vocals and bass. This marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his career. During his tenure with Poco from 1969 to 1977, Schmit’s contributions were substantial, encompassing nine studio albums and two live albums. He also showcased his songwriting abilities with several original compositions for the band.

During this period, Schmit performed on pivotal Poco albums such as “From the Inside,” “Crazy Eyes,” “Seven,” and “Head over Heels.” His final album with the group, “Indian Summer,” is particularly notable for featuring Donald Fagen of Steely Dan on synthesizer. Among Schmit’s penned songs was “Keep on Tryin’,” which became Poco’s biggest hit single when it was released in 1975, a testament to his songwriting capabilities.

The Eagles: Soaring to New Heights

Schmit’s career took another momentous turn in 1977 when he joined the legendary rock band the Eagles. He again stepped in to fill the role left by Randy Meisner, assuming bass and vocal duties. Schmit’s talent shone on the band’s sixth studio album, 1979’s “The Long Run.” This album achieved a seven-times Platinum certification, featuring hit singles like “Heartache Tonight” and “I Can’t Tell You Why,” the latter of which he co-wrote and sang lead vocals on. This demonstrated his dual capabilities as a songwriter and a vocalist. However, following the success of “The Long Run,” the Eagles disbanded, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their return.

Over a decade later, the Eagles reunited in 1994 with the live album “Hell Freezes Over,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard album chart, reigniting their popularity. On this album, Schmit delivered a standout performance with his lead vocals on “Love Will Keep Us Alive.” The Eagles didn’t release another studio album until 2007’s “Long Road Out of Eden,” a double album that also topped the Billboard chart, showcasing their enduring appeal. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Busy Being Fabulous,” “How Long,” and “No More Cloudy Days,” and earned the band two Grammy Awards for “How Long” and the instrumental track “I Dreamed There Was No War.” This cemented the Eagles’ place in music history, and further highlighted Schmit’s integral role in the band’s continued success.

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Solo Career: A Multifaceted Musical Journey

Following the Eagles’ initial breakup in 1980, Schmit embarked on a solo career. He remained active in the studio, contributing his vocals and bass to numerous songs and albums by other artists. His versatility is evident in his diverse collaborations, including his work on Don Felder’s “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride),” Bob Seger’s “Fire Lake,” and Toto’s timeless hits “Africa” and “I Won’t Hold You Back.”

Schmit’s backing vocals have graced a plethora of songs, reflecting his ability to enhance various musical styles. Notable examples include Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry,” Richard Marx’s “Don’t Mean Nothing,” and Stacey Q’s “Heartbeat.” He also contributed backing vocals to several Steely Dan albums, including “Pretzel Logic,” “The Royal Scam,” and “Aja,” as well as to the 1978 Andrew Gold hit “Never Let Her Slip Away.”

Parallel to his session work, Schmit released several solo studio albums. His debut, “Playin’ it Cool,” was released in 1984, followed by “Timothy B” in 1987, which featured “Boys Night Out,” his best-selling single. His solo discography continued to grow with albums such as “Tell Me the Truth,” “Feed the Fire,” “Expando,” and “Leap of Faith,” further showcasing his evolving artistry.

Tours: Collaborations and Parrotheads

Beyond his work with the Eagles, Schmit’s touring career is marked by numerous high-profile collaborations. In 1982, he toured with the rock band Toto, demonstrating his broad appeal among his contemporaries. From 1983 to 1985, he toured as a member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, where he played a significant role in the music and the culture surrounding Buffett’s music. During this time, he also coined the term “Parrotheads” to refer to Buffett’s dedicated fanbase, demonstrating his keen understanding of fan engagement. In 1992, he was a part of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, participating in a collaborative effort with various iconic musicians. Furthermore, in 2000, Schmit toured with Dan Fogelberg, highlighting his continued presence and influence in the music industry.

Personal Life

Schmit’s personal life reflects both the stability and the changes that often come with a life in the public eye. During his time with Poco, he married his first wife, Noreen, with whom he had a daughter named Jeddrah. The couple later divorced in the mid-1970s. In 1983, Schmit remarried to Jean, and they have two children together: daughter Owen Faye and son Ben. These personal details shed light on the balance between a demanding music career and the importance of family in his life.

His dedication to music was recognized in 2012 when Schmit was honored with an honorary doctorate of music from Boston’s Berklee College of Music, further acknowledging his significant contributions to the art form.

Conclusion

Timothy B. Schmit’s career is a testament to his enduring talent and versatility. From his early days with Poco to his pivotal role in the Eagles and his extensive solo work, Schmit’s contributions to music are undeniable. His net worth reflects his success, but it’s his impact on the music landscape and the countless fans he has touched that truly define his legacy. He remains a significant figure in the world of rock and country rock, a musician whose influence continues to resonate.