Sonny Barger Net Worth: Riding the Hells Angels' Wealth Wave

Ralph Hubert “Sonny” Barger Jr. (1938–2022) was an American outlaw biker and a founding member of the Oakland, California chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in 1957. He helped unify various chapters and incorporated the club in 1966.

Known as the club’s most prominent member during the counterculture era, he was called “the Maximum Leader” by Hunter S. Thompson. Barger served 13 years in prison for heroin trafficking and conspiracy to bomb a rival gang’s clubhouse but was acquitted of murder and racketeering charges.

Sonny Barger Net Worth

Sonny Barger had a net worth of $500,000 at his death in June 2022. Born in Modesto, California on October 8, 1938, Barger co-founded the Oakland chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in 1957 after previously joining the Oakland Panthers.

In 1958, he became the club’s national president when the former leader was imprisoned. Under Barger’s leadership, numerous Hells Angels chapters united to form a single, cohesive motorcycle club, strengthening its national presence.

Early life

In 1956, Sonny Barger founded the Oakland Panthers, his first motorcycle club with military veterans. After it disbanded, he joined bikers including Don “Boots” Reeves, who wore a patch from a defunct Hells Angels Nomads chapter. On April 1, 1957,

Barger and others formed the Oakland Hells Angels, adopting the iconic “Death’s Head” logo. Appointed Oakland chapter president in 1958, Barger unified chapters, moved the national headquarters to Oakland, and expanded the club’s membership and narcotics network by 1960.

Career

Appointed Oakland chapter president in 1958, Barger unified chapters, moved the national headquarters to Oakland, and expanded the club’s membership and narcotics network by 1960.

Personal life

Sonny Barger’s first wife, Elsie Mae (née George), died in 1967 from an embolism after an illegal abortion. He married Sharon Gruhlke in 1973 during incarceration; they later divorced. In 1982, Barger was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent a total laryngectomy, losing his vocal cords.

He advocated against smoking afterward. In 1998, he moved to Arizona with third wife Beth Noel. After a 2003 domestic dispute, he served jail time and divorced. Barger married Zorana Katzakian in 2005. He had no biological children and was declared cancer-free after prostate surgery in 2012.

What happened to Sonny Barger’s voice?

Sonny Barger, the iconic face of the Hells Angels, experienced a major change to his voice after a throat cancer diagnosis in 1982. Doctors had to remove his vocal cords, which left him with a hole in his throat. To speak, he had to manually close the hole, and his voice was reduced to a hoarse whisper.

Despite this, by the time he left prison in 1992, Barger remained an elder statesman in the biker community, respected for his legacy and resilience.

Conclusion

Sonny Barger’s net worth of $500 thousand at the time of his death is a testament to his diverse career as a biker, author, and actor. His life, entrenched in the world of motorcycle clubs and counterculture, made him a fascinating and influential figure.

FAQs about Sonny Barger’s Net Worth

What books did Sonny Barger write? – His works include ‘Hell’s Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club’ and others.
In which films did Sonny Barger appear? – He appeared in ‘Hells Angels on Wheels,’ ‘Hell’s Angels ’69,’ and ‘Dead in 5 Heartbeats.’
What is the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club? – A worldwide motorcycle club known for its rebellious image.
Did Sonny Barger have any children? – Public information about his children is limited.
What legacy did Sonny Barger leave behind? – He left a legacy as a key figure in American biker culture and as an author.