Jimmy Barnes is an Australian music legend, singer, songwriter, and author with an estimated net worth of $20 million. Known for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Barnes first gained fame as the lead singer of the iconic Australian rock band Cold Chisel, before establishing a successful solo career with multiple chart-topping albums and best-selling books. Here is a detailed look of Jimmy Barnes net worth.
Early Life
Jimmy Barnes was born James Dixon Swan on April 28, 1956, in Glasgow, Scotland. He is the son of prizefighter Jim Swan and Dorothy Swan. Growing up in a Protestant household, he experienced a difficult childhood marked by abuse. His family immigrated to Australia in the early 1960s, first settling in Adelaide before moving to Elizabeth, South Australia. Jimmy later adopted the surname of his stepfather, Reg Barnes.
Career Beginnings
Barnes joined Cold Chisel in 1974, contributing to the band’s rise as one of Australia’s most successful rock groups. The band released iconic albums including:
- Cold Chisel (1978)
- Breakfast at Sweethearts (1979)
- East (1980) – 5× Platinum
- Circus Animals (1982) – #1 ARIA Charts
- Twentieth Century (1984) – #1 ARIA Charts
After Cold Chisel’s initial breakup in 1983, Barnes launched a solo career, releasing albums such as Bodyswerve (1984), For the Working Class Man (1985, 7× Platinum), Two Fires (1990, 6× Platinum), and Soul Deep (1991, 10× Platinum). He has released more than a dozen #1 albums throughout his career.
Cold Chisel reunited several times, producing albums including The Last Wave of Summer (1998), No Plans (2012), The Perfect Crime (2015), and Blood Moon (2019). The band was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1993 and the South Australian Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2016.
Books and Memoirs
Barnes is also a prolific author. His memoirs include:
- Working Class Boy (2016) – adapted into a 2018 documentary
- Working Class Man (2017)
- Killing Time: Short Stories From the Long Road Home (2020)
He has written children’s books such as Och Aye the Gnu (2017) and Rosie the Rhinoceros (2021), and co-authored Where the River Bends (2021) with his wife Jane.
In 2017, Barnes was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions to music and charitable work, particularly supporting children with disabilities.
Personal Life
Jimmy married Jane Mahoney on May 22, 1981. The couple has four children: Elly-May, Jackie, Mahalia, and Eliza-Jane. Barnes also has a son, David, with Kim Campbell and two daughters from previous relationships, Megan Torzyn and Amanda Bennett.
He is a Buddhist, a supporter of the Port Adelaide Football Club, and an advocate of the Australian Labor Party. In November 2022, Barnes announced he would undergo hip and back surgery due to years of wear from performing on stage.
His brother-in-law is musician Mark Denis Lizotte, known as Diesel, who has collaborated with Barnes on multiple albums.
Awards and Achievements
Barnes has received numerous accolades, including:
- ARIA Hall of Fame Inductions: Cold Chisel (1993), Solo (2005)
- ARIA Awards: Best Male Artist (Barnestorming, 1989), Highest Selling Album (Soul Deep, 1992), Best Children’s Album (Och Aye the G’Nu, 2017)
- APRA Awards: Ted Albert Award (2016), Most Performed Rock Work (Shutting Down Our Town, 2020)
- Other Awards: Astra Award (2008), multiple nominations for AIR, Helpmann, and Rolling Stone Australia awards
Real Estate and Lifestyle
In 2014, Barnes purchased a four-bedroom warehouse in Botany, New South Wales, for AUD $1.6 million, featuring two recording studios and a caterer’s kitchen. In 2021, the property was listed for AUD $4 million.
Legacy and Influence
Jimmy Barnes remains one of Australia’s most celebrated rock singers, both as a solo artist and with Cold Chisel. His music, books, and charitable efforts have left a lasting impact on Australian culture, inspiring generations of fans with his resilience, talent, and dedication to the arts.
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