Pop Loop
news /

J.J. Cale: Calculating His Net Worth


The net worth of John W. Cale:
$15 Million


A Glance at John W. Cale’s Biography

John Weldon Cale, born on 5 December 1938 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA, was a musician renowned for originating the Tulsa Sound, an amalgamation of various musical genres. His influence in the rock music history was monumental, reflecting in a substantial net worth before his demise in 2013.

In mid-2017, sources estimated his net worth at $15 million, the result of his remarkable success in the music industry. His repertoire includes numerous songs recorded by both himself and other prominent artists. Notably, his collaboration with Eric Clapton on the album “The Road to Escondido” earned them a Grammy Award. These feats cemented his financial standing.

J.J. Cale Net Worth: $15 million

JJ attended Tulsa Central High School and graduated in 1956. While growing up, he delved into guitar playing and sound engineering. Later, he established his own recording studio. Following his service in the military and training at the Air Force Air Training Command, he relocated to Los Angeles in the 1960s, finding work as a studio engineer. His demo single “After Midnight” gained attention, leading to regular performances at Whisky a Go Go. However, his success as a recording artist was limited, prompting his return to Tulsa to join a band.

In 1970, Eric Clapton covered “After Midnight” for his debut album. This prompted Cale to release his own album “Naturally”, receiving widespread acclaim and popular success. His adept guitar skills also garnered praise from fellow artists. His big breakthrough came with the release of the single “Crazy Mama” in 1972, considerably augmenting his net worth. By the early ‘80s, a more reclusive phase ensued, marked by the tepid reception of his album “#8”, compelling him to seek an exit from his recording contract. He was later the subject of documentaries, including “To Tulsa and Back”, chronicling the promotional journey of “Crazy Mama”. His catalog was eventually published by Fairwood Music (UK).

Although JJ faced limited success as a recording artist, his songs gained recognition through covers by numerous musicians, including Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine”, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Call Me the Breeze”, and Santana’s “The Sensitive Kind”. In 2014, a tribute album titled “The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale” was released, featuring covers of his songs by Eric Clapton & Friends, further enhancing his net worth. His contributions to the music industry and other artists substantially elevated his financial worth.

In terms of his personal life, Cale was married to Christine Lakeland until his passing, with their marriage date not disclosed. He attributed his musical style to his ability to create music independently, using technology now widespread. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 74 after suffering a heart attack while residing in La Jolla, California.



  • Structural Info
  • Quotes
  • Facts
  • Filmography
Full NameJ. J. Cale
Net Worth$15 Million
Date Of BirthDecember 5, 1938
DiedJuly 26, 2013, La Jolla, California, United States
Place Of BirthOklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Height5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
ProfessionGuitarist
EducationCentral High School
NationalityAmerican
SpouseChristine Lakeland (m. ?–2013)
IMDB
Allmusic
AwardsGrammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album
Movies10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads, To Tulsa and Back: On Tour with J.J. Cale, 10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads, To Tulsa and Back: On Tour with J.J. Cale
#Quote
1I used to write more about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. I don’t do that quite much as I used to, and it’s a little bit more ‘old man’ philosophy.
2When I sit down and play the guitar, I am 20 years old again.
3I’d like to have the fortune, but I don’t care too much about the fame.
4Basically, I’m just a guitar player that figured out I wasn’t ever gonna be able to buy dinner with my guitar playing. So I got into songwriting, which is a little more profitable business.
#Fact
1He changed his name from John Cale to JJ Cale to avoid being confused with John Cale of the Velvet Underground.
2He helped to create the “Tulsa Sound,” a genre with blues, rockabilly, country, and jazz influences. He was a former member of the Grand Ole Opry touring company. He also pioneered the use of drum machines.
3Good friend with Eric Clapton. He wrote some of Clapton’s solo songs like “After Midnight” and “Cocaine”. In 2006 together they released the album “The Road to Escondido”, which won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album two years later.
4Was a dedicated lover of animals.
5Grammy Award-winning guitarist and songwriter, known for his bluesy, laid-back style. Wrote a number of songs made famous by Eric Clapton (“Cocaine”, “After Midnight”, “The Road to Escondido”), as well as others covered by Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Call Me the Breeze”), Captain Beefheart and the Allman Brothers.
6Grammy-Award Winning singer, songwriter and musician.

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Master of NoneTV Series performer – 1 episode, 2015 writer – 1 episode, 2015
Far Out2015writer: “Cocaine”
Ride2014/Iperformer: “Hey Baby” / writer: “Hey Baby”
TransparentTV Series performer – 1 episode, 2014 writer – 1 episode, 2014
Tammy2014writer: “Call Me The Breeze”
Late Night with Seth Meyers2014TV Series writer – 1 episode
Cuéntame2013TV Series writer – 1 episode
DivorceTV Series performer – 1 episode, 2013 writer – 1 episode, 2013
Eastbound & Down2012TV Series performer – 1 episode
The House I Live In2012Documentary performer: “IF YOU’RE EVER IN OKLAHOMA” / writer: “IF YOU’RE EVER IN OKLAHOMA”
United States of TaraTV Series writer – 2 episodes, 2009 – 2010 performer – 1 episode, 2010
Barney’s Version2010performer: “River Runs Deep” / writer: “River Runs Deep”
Extract2009writer: “I Got The Same Old Blues”
Middle Men2009writer: “Cocaine”
Breaking BadTV Series performer – 1 episode, 2009 writer – 1 episode, 2009
Watchmen2009writer: “Clyde”
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live at Freedom Hall2008TV Movie writer: “Call Me The Breeze”
Role Models2008writer: “Call Me the Breeze”
Dancing with the Stars2008TV Series writer – 1 episode
Men in Trees2008TV Series performer – 1 episode
Friday Night LightsTV Series performer – 3 episodes, 2007 – 2008 writer – 3 episodes, 2007 – 2008
The Education of Charlie Banks2007performer: “Everything Will Be Alright” / writer: “Everything Will Be Alright”
Wild Hogs2007writer: “Call Me the Breeze”
Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector2006writer: “They Call Me the Breeze” – as John W. Cale
Elementarteilchen2006writer: “Cocaine”
Lord of War2005writer: “Cocaine” 1975
The Dukes of Hazzard2005writer: “Call Me the Breeze”
Bad News Bears2005“Cocaine”
Dog the Bounty Hunter2005TV Series performer – 1 episode
Fahrenheit 9/112004Documentary writer: “Cocaine” 1970
Starsky & Hutch2004writer: “Cocaine”
Nursie2004writer: “Cajun Moon”
Soundstage2003TV Series documentary writer – 1 episode
Any Way the Wind Blows2003performer: “Magnolia” / writer: “Magnolia”
Eric Clapton: One More Car, One More Rider – Live on Tour 20012002Video documentary writer: “Cocaine”
Sunshine State2002writer: “Call Me the Breeze”
Bandits2001performer: “Long Way Home” – uncredited / writer: “Long Way Home” – uncredited
Grass1999Documentary performer: “Cocaine” / writer: “Cocaine”
A Room for Romeo Brass1999performer: “After Midnight” / writer: “After Midnight”
That ’70s Show1999TV Series performer – 1 episode
Scrapple1998music: “One Step Ahead of the Blues”
Lawn Dogs1997performer: “Feeling In Love” / writer: “Feeling In Love”
Phenomenon1996performer: “A Thing Going On” / writer: “A Thing Going On”
Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the CityTV Mini-Series performer – 1 episode, 1993 writer – 1 episode, 1993
Tohuwabohu1993TV Series writer – 1 episode
Unlawful Entry1992performer: “DON’T GO TO STRANGERS” / writer: “DON’T GO TO STRANGERS”
The Cream of Eric Clapton1990Video documentary writer: “Cocaine”
The Wonder Years1989TV Series performer – 1 episode
Immediate Family