Warren Zevon net worth was estimated to be $4 million when he died in 2003. The legendary American singer-songwriter and keyboardist, known for his darkly humorous lyrics and distinctive voice, Zevon left an indelible mark on rock music with hits like “Werewolves of London” and “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner.” He also wrote songs for other artists, including The Turtles, Phil Everly, and Murray McLauchlan, and became a frequent guest on David Letterman’s talk shows.
Early Life
Warren Zevon was born on January 24, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Beverly and William Zevon. His father, a Ukrainian Jewish immigrant, worked for notorious mobster Mickey Cohen, while his mother came from a Mormon family. The family later moved to Fresno, California. After his parents divorced when he was 16, Zevon dropped out of high school and moved to New York City to pursue his musical ambitions.
Career Beginnings
Zevon’s music career started as a teenager when he formed the duo Lyme & Cybelle with high school friend Violet Santangelo. Their single “Follow Me” became a minor hit in 1966. Zevon went on to work as a session musician, jingle composer, and songwriter for other artists. His debut solo album, Wanted Dead or Alive (1970), marked the start of a career that would span over three decades.
He toured with the Everly Brothers, contributed to Phil Everly’s solo albums, and wrote songs like “Carmelita,” which was later covered by Canadian artist Murray McLauchlan.
Rise to Fame
Zevon’s self-titled major-label debut in 1976, produced by Jackson Browne, featured contributions from Fleetwood Mac members Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, Linda Ronstadt, and Bonnie Raitt. Songs like “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “Mohammed’s Radio” helped establish him as a critical favorite.
His biggest commercial success came in 1978 with Excitable Boy, featuring the hit “Werewolves of London.” The album reached number eight on the Billboard 200 and earned Gold certification from the RIAA.
Later Career
Zevon experienced a commercial decline in the early 1980s, leading to substance abuse and a temporary step back from music. He returned in 1987 with Sentimental Hygiene, earning acclaim with collaborations from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and George Clinton.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Zevon released several albums, including Mutineer, Life’ll Kill Ya, and his final works My Ride’s Here (2002) and The Wind (2003). Diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma in 2002, Zevon made his last public appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, performing “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner.” Posthumously, he won two Grammy Awards for The Wind and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.
Personal Life
Zevon was married to Crystal Zevon, with whom he had a daughter, Ariel, and had a son, Jordan, from a previous relationship. His personal life included struggles with substance abuse and failed relationships, but he remained committed to his music until the end.
Warren Zevon Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Warren Zevon net worth was estimated at $4 million.
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