Chrissie Hynde Net Worth

What is Chrissie Hynde's Net Worth?

Chrissie Hynde is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has a net worth of $8 million. Chrissie Hynde is best known as the founder and frontwoman of The Pretenders, one of the most influential rock bands to emerge from the late 1970s new wave scene. Hynde's sharp songwriting, distinctive contralto voice, and uncompromising attitude made her a defining figure of her generation. After moving from Akron, Ohio, to London in the early 1970s, she worked at the "NME" music magazine and in Vivienne Westwood's SEX boutique, immersing herself in the emerging punk scene.

In 1978, she formed The Pretenders with guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers. The band's 1980 self-titled debut album produced enduring hits like "Brass in Pocket," "Kid," and "Stop Your Sobbing," blending punk energy with melodic pop craftsmanship. Their follow-up, "Pretenders II," and later singles such as "Back on the Chain Gang" and "Middle of the Road" solidified their international reputation.

Tragedy struck in 1982 when both Honeyman-Scott and Farndon died of drug-related causes, but Hynde rebuilt the lineup and carried on. Over the decades, The Pretenders have released a series of acclaimed albums, including "Learning to Crawl," "Last of the Independents," and "Break Up the Concrete." Hynde's songwriting often combines toughness and vulnerability, addressing themes of independence, love, and social observation.

In addition to her band work, she has released solo projects like "Stockholm" (2014), collaborated with artists such as Frank Sinatra and UB40, and is known for her activism in animal rights and environmental causes. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, Chrissie Hynde remains one of rock's most enduring and authentic voices.

Early Life

Chrissie Hynde was born on September 7, 1951, in Akron, Ohio. Her mother worked as a part-time secretary, and her father was a manager at the Yellow Pages telephone directory company. She attended Firestone High School but later said she was never involved in typical school activities, preferring to spend her time immersed in music and the local rock scene.

After graduating, she enrolled in Kent State University's Art School, where she developed an interest in Eastern mysticism, vegetarianism, and the 1960s counterculture. Hynde was a student at Kent State during the tragic 1970 Kent State Massacre and personally knew one of the victims. While there, she played in a band called Sat. Sun. Mat. alongside Mark Mothersbaugh, who would later go on to form Devo.

Early Career

After three years of art school, Hynde moved to London in 1973. She initially found work at an architectural firm, but her creative ambitions soon pulled her toward the music scene. With help from rock journalist Nick Kent, she landed a short-lived job at the music magazine "NME," followed by a position at the boutique SEX, run by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood—the epicenter of what would become the punk movement.

Eager to stay in London, Hynde even proposed marriage to members of the Sex Pistols to secure residency, but her plan fell through. She briefly relocated to France to start a band, then returned to Cleveland before ultimately moving back to London. Over the next few years she tried out for and played with several bands—including early incarnations of what became Culture Club and The Damned—but none lasted. Her breakthrough came in 1978 when she sent a demo tape to Dave Hill of Real Records, who agreed to manage her career and encouraged her to form her own group.

The Pretenders

Hill advised Hynde to take her time assembling a band. She soon connected with bassist Pete Farndon, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, and drummer Martin Chambers, forming The Pretenders with Hynde as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. The group played their first gig in Paris and released two successful singles in 1979, gaining immediate attention in the UK. In November of that year, they released the song "Brass in Pocket," which reached number one in the UK charts in January 1980—the same day their debut album "Pretenders" was released.

The album became an international success, followed by "Extended Play" and "Pretenders II." Tragedy struck in 1982 when Honeyman-Scott died of a drug overdose just days after Farndon was fired from the band. Farndon himself died the following year. Despite the losses, Hynde rebuilt The Pretenders with new members, remaining the group's sole consistent force.

Over the decades, The Pretenders have released eleven studio albums, including hits such as "Talk of the Town," "Back on the Chain Gang," "2000 Miles," "Don't Get Me Wrong," and "I'll Stand by You." Their blend of punk edge and melodic songwriting has influenced generations of rock musicians, and in 2005, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Outside of The Pretenders

Beyond her work with The Pretenders, Hynde has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Mick Farren, Chris Spedding, The Specials, INXS, Moodswings, and Morrissey. Her most successful collaboration came in 1985 when she teamed up with UB40 for a cover of Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe," which reached number one in the UK.

In 2014, Hynde released her debut solo album "Stockholm," which she wrote entirely herself. The record featured guest appearances by Neil Young and tennis star John McEnroe, who played guitar on one track. "Stockholm" received generally positive reviews and showcased Hynde's enduring talent as both a songwriter and performer.

Personal Life

In 1983, Hynde welcomed a daughter, Natalie, with Ray Davies of The Kinks. The following year, she married Jim Kerr, lead singer of Simple Minds, and the couple had a daughter, Yasmin, in 1985. They lived in Scotland before divorcing in 1990. Hynde later married Colombian artist and sculptor Lucho Brieva in 1997; they divorced in 2002.

Hynde is a longtime follower of Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism, and travels to India annually to study her faith. She has also been a devoted vegetarian and animal rights advocate for decades, supporting organizations such as PETA, Viva!, and Respect for Animals.

She divides her time between her homes in London and Akron, continuing to perform and record while remaining an outspoken and influential figure in both music and activism.

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