Kevin Cronin Net Worth

Kevin Cronin Net Worth: The Rock Icon’s Financial Success

Introduction: The Legacy of Kevin Cronin

Kevin Cronin is more than just the voice of REO Speedwagon; he’s a songwriter, guitarist, and a significant figure in rock music history. With a career spanning decades, Cronin has cemented his place as one of the most recognizable faces and voices in the music industry. This article delves into the various facets of his life, from his financial success to his contributions to music and his personal endeavors.

What is Kevin Cronin’s Net Worth?

Kevin Cronin’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. This figure reflects his successful career as a musician, songwriter, and performer. Much of his wealth comes from his work with REO Speedwagon, including album sales, touring, and royalties from his numerous hit songs. He continues to earn from his music catalog and ongoing performances with the band.

Early Life and Education

Born Kevin Cronin Jr. on October 6, 1951, in Evanston, Illinois, Kevin grew up in Oak Lawn. His early education took place at St. Linus Catholic Elementary School and Brother Rice High School. These formative years undoubtedly played a role in shaping his personality and drive, which eventually led him to pursue his passion for music.

REO Speedwagon: The Rise to Fame in the 70s and 80s

Cronin’s journey with REO Speedwagon began shortly after the release of their self-titled debut album in 1971. He took over as lead vocalist, replacing Terry Luttrell. He played a pivotal role in the band’s second album, “R.E.O./T.W.O,” released in 1972. However, his initial tenure with the band was short-lived due to internal conflicts, leading to his departure during the recording of “Ridin’ the Storm Out” in 1973. Cronin’s return in 1976 marked a turning point, and he recorded the band’s sixth studio album, “R.E.O.” The following year, he contributed to REO Speedwagon’s live album “Live: You Get What You Play For.”

In 1978, the band released “You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish,” an album that reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart. This album featured hit singles like “Time for Me to Fly” and “Roll with the Changes,” both written by Cronin, showcasing his songwriting prowess. “Nine Lives,” released in 1979, followed and peaked at number 33 on the Billboard 200, further establishing their presence in the music scene.

‘Hi Infidelity’ and the Pinnacle of Success

The 1980s proved to be the golden era for REO Speedwagon, with the release of “Hi Infidelity” in 1980. This album reached number one on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit singles “Keep On Loving You,” “Take It on the Run,” “In Your Letter,” and “Don’t Let Him Go.” “Hi Infidelity” was a massive commercial success, spending 65 weeks on the Billboard charts and becoming the best-selling album of 1981.

The band capitalized on this success with “Good Trouble” in 1982, which peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200 and included hit singles such as “Keep the Fire Burnin'” and “Sweet Time.” “Wheels Are Turnin’,” released in 1984, yielded the number-one hit single “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” written by Cronin, further solidifying his songwriting legacy. The decade concluded with the albums “Life as We Know It” in 1987 and the compilation album “The Hits” in 1988.

(Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

Further Career and Recent Ventures

By the late 1980s, REO Speedwagon’s popularity began to wane. The 1990 album, “The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken,” struggled commercially, producing their last Billboard Hot 100 charting single, “Love is a Rock.” It wasn’t until 1996 that the band released “Building the Bridge,” which did not perform well commercially either.

However, REO Speedwagon saw a resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by touring, live albums, and compilation releases. In 2007, the band released their fifteenth studio album, “Find Your Own Way Home,” which featured the singles “I Needed to Fall” and the title track. An online video game with the same title was released in 2009. REO Speedwagon continues to tour to this day. A notable recent appearance was in 2020, on an episode of the Netflix series “Ozark,” where they performed “Time for Me to Fly.”

Musical Gear: Guitars and Amplifiers of a Rock Legend

Throughout his career, Cronin has utilized various guitars and amplifiers to create his signature sound. Some of the instruments he has frequently used include:

• 1952 Fender Telecaster
• 1958 Fender Broadcaster
• Gibson Les Paul
• Ovation Viper Series 6 & 12 String

For amplifiers, Cronin typically favors Vox AC-30 Combos, a classic choice known for their rich, warm tone.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Other Media Appearances

In addition to his music career, Cronin has made several appearances in other media formats. He was a celebrity contestant on the television music game show “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” in 2008, where he reached the $350,000 round before missing the lyrics to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” Furthermore, Cronin has been featured in an infomercial for TimeLife’s “Ultimate Rock Ballads” CD collection.

Personal Life & Real Estate

In 1992, Kevin Cronin married Lisa Wells. They have four children: son Paris, daughter Holly, and twin sons Josh and Shane.

In 1998, Kevin and Lisa purchased a home in Thousand Oaks, California, for $1.065 million. The property, spanning over one acre and encompassing a 5,300-square-foot house, is estimated to be worth around $4 million today, reflecting the appreciation of real estate in the area.

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Conclusion

Kevin Cronin’s career, marked by both commercial success and personal evolution, showcases his talent, dedication, and enduring appeal as a rock icon. His influence on the music industry, especially through his work with REO Speedwagon, remains significant. From his net worth to his contributions as a songwriter and performer, Cronin’s legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide.