Little Richard had a net worth of $50 million when he died. After his death, Richard’s estate and assets were inherited by his two children. Richard also donated 10% of his wealth towards building schools for poor black kids.
Losses due to Addictions
If not for his addiction to drugs, Little Richard’s net worth could have been ten times higher than what it is now. In the 1960s and 1970s, he lost 90% of his wealth due to addictions.
In his peak years, Little Richard was spending all his earnings on parties and drugs. In addition he lost millions towards poker and gambling.
It is estimated that, Richard lost a whopping $17 million in poker in his lifetime. He lost $5 million more in gambling, according to Forbes.
Richard admitted that his addictions to cocaine, PCP and heroin were costing him as much as $2,000 a day, in 1970s.
He had to cancel many concerts and lose numerous endorsements due to these problems, which severely effected his income and wealth.
Investments
From mid 1980s, Richard began pulling his act together and started to invest his earnings into assets like Real Estate, Land, Gold and Stock Markets. This figure is estimated to be $6.1 million adjusted inflation.
Little Richard Net Worth
Net Worth at Death | $50 Million |
Annual Income | $7 Million |
Cash in Bank | $14 Million |
Lifetime Earnings | $110 Million |
Donations | $2.5 Million |
In the mid-1940s, Richard left home to pursue a career in music. His big break came in 1955 when he signed with Specialty Records.
His debut single, “Tutti Frutti,” was a sensation, and it catapulted him to stardom.
Over the next few years, Little Richard released a string of hits that have become classics, including “Long Tall Sally,” “Lucille,” and “Good Golly Miss Molly.”