Early Life and Career Beginnings
Eddie Money was born Edward Joseph Bowsher on March 21, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Levittown, Long Island, and attended Jones Beach High School before studying at Adelphi University. He left college to pursue music, working odd jobs while performing in local bands. He legally changed his name to Eddie Money, a nod to his early need for cash, and began playing in New York clubs during the 1970s.
His breakthrough came after a performance at a New York club caught the attention of manager Bill Graham. Graham signed Money to his label, and Eddie Money released his self-titled debut album in 1977. The album featured the hit single "Baby Hold On," which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and established his presence in the rock and pop rock scene.
Major Albums and Hit Songs
Eddie Money's second album, "Life for the Taking," was released in 1978 and included the singles "Take Me Home Tonight" and "I Wanna Go Back." "Take Me Home Tonight" became his biggest chart success, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987 and earning a Grammy nomination. The album "Can't Hold Back" followed in 1986, certified platinum by the RIAA and featuring the top 10 hit "Take Me Home Tonight" with Ronnie Spector.
His later albums included "Nothing to Lose" in 1988 and "Right Here" in 1991, both of which charted on the Billboard 200. He continued releasing music through the 2000s, including the album "Wanna Go Back" in 2007, which revisited his classic rock and R&B influences. Eddie Money remained active in touring and recording, maintaining a steady presence in classic rock radio and live performance circuits across the United States.
Net Worth, Business Ventures, and Legacy
Eddie Money's net worth was estimated at around $30 million at the time of his death, according to public reports. His income came from album sales, touring royalties, and licensing deals. He also appeared on television shows such as "The Surreal Life" and "Celebrity Fit Club," which added to his public profile and earnings during the 2000s.
Eddie Money passed away on September 13, 2019, at the age of 70, due to complications from lung cancer and heart disease. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, and his children, including singer-songwriter Zachary Money. His music continues to be streamed and played on classic rock stations, and his catalog remains managed by his estate and associated music publishers. For more details on his career and music catalog, you can visit the official Eddie Money page on AllMusic or check his Billboard artist profile.