Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. (born March 18, 1966) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the founder, lead guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and main songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains. The band gained international fame during Seattle’s grunge movement in the early 1990s.
Known for its distinctive vocal style and harmonized vocals between Cantrell and Layne Staley, and later William DuVall, Cantrell began singing lead on the 1992 EP Sap and became lead singer after Staley’s death in 2002.
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Jerry Cantrell Net Worth
Jerry Cantrell has an estimated net worth of $25 million. He is one of rock music’s most accomplished guitarists and songwriters, best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, and co-vocalist of Alice in Chains.
His distinctive guitar style blends heavy metal riffs, blues influences, and haunting melodies, shaping the band’s signature sound and influencing alternative metal and grunge. Cantrell wrote hits like “Rooster”, “Would?”, and “No Excuses”. After Layne Staley’s health declined, Cantrell launched a successful solo career with albums like Boggy Depot and Degradation Trip.
Early life
Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. was born on March 18, 1966, in Tacoma, Washington, to Gloria Jean Krumpos and Jerry Fulton Cantrell. In high school, he served as president of the award-winning choir, where he developed an interest in Gregorian chants. His choir and drama teachers inspired him to pursue music.
Although raised on country music, Cantrell gravitated toward rock music and guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Ace Frehley, Tony Iommi, Angus Young, Jimmy Page, and Eddie Van Halen. Influences also included Elton John, Heart, and Fleetwood Mac.
Career
In 1985, Jerry Cantrell quit college during the winter semester and moved to Dallas, Texas to join a band with friends. He worked at a music store where he bought his first real guitar.
He formed Sinister with Vinnie Chas, then later the band Raze. In Dallas, Jerry met early Pantera members Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. Returning to Tacoma a year later, he started Diamond Lie. After his mother’s death in 1987, he met Layne Staley and helped form Alice in Chains with Sean Kinney and Mike Starr.
Personal life
In the early 1990s, Jerry Cantrell was homeless and lived at the house of Pearl Jam’s manager Kelly Curtis, sharing a basement with Eddie Vedder. In early 1991, he moved in with Soundgarden lead singer Chris Cornell and his wife Susan Silver, who managed Alice in Chains. Cantrell wrote the song “Rooster” there.
He paid tribute to Cornell at the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. Cantrell lived in Monroe, Washington, before moving to Studio City, California in 2003, and maintains a home in Burien, Washington since 2012.
Who taught Jerry Cantrell guitar?
When Jerry Cantrell was in sixth grade, his mom was dating a guitar player who taught him a few chords. Jerry picked up the guitar skills very quickly, impressing the guitarist. Recognizing Jerry’s talent, the guitarist suggested to Jerry’s mom that she buy her son a guitar. Following this advice, his mom purchased a guitar for him, which marked the beginning of Jerry’s journey into music and eventually becoming a renowned guitarist and member of Alice in Chains.
Conclusion
Jerry Cantrell’s journey from a band member to a financially successful solo artist is a testament to his talent and hard work. His net worth of $25 million is a reflection of his impact on the music industry and his ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing world of rock music.
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FAQs about Jerry Cantrell Net Worth
- How much is Jerry Cantrell worth?
- Estimated at $25 million.
- How much does Jerry Cantrell make per show?
- Between $75,000 and $149,999.
- What is the net worth of Alice in Chains members?
- Jerry Cantrell: $35 million, Sean Kinney: $20 million, Mike Inez: $15 million, William DuVall: $5 million.
- Does Jerry Cantrell have children?
- No, he has never been married nor has any children.
- Were Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley best friends?
- Yes, they were close friends and bandmates in Alice in Chains.
