Sting: The Iconic Musician And His Impressive Journey

How Much is Sting Worth?

Let me tell you about Sting, a true legend in the music world. Born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, Sting has built an empire with a staggering net worth of $550 million. Now, you might recognize him as the iconic frontman of The Police, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. After rocking the charts with The Police, Sting embarked on a highly successful solo career. Over the years, The Police released five studio albums, every single one certified Platinum in multiple countries. Their 1983 masterpiece, "Synchronicity," achieved an impressive 8x Platinum status in the U.S., earning a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame and making it onto Rolling Stone's lists of "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" and "100 Best Albums of the Eighties." With The Police and as a solo artist, Sting has sold over 100 million records worldwide. But his talents don't stop at music. He's also graced the screen in films like "Quadrophenia," "Dune," and "Zoolander 2," and even hosted "Saturday Night Live." Not to mention, he's penned two books and received prestigious honors like a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.

Big Move: Selling His Song Catalog

In February 2022, Sting joined the ranks of artists selling their catalogs when he inked a deal with Universal Music Publishing Group for an eye-popping $300 million. This massive sale included every song Sting ever wrote during his time with The Police and as a solo artist. It's a testament to his enduring legacy in the music industry, as his songs continue to resonate with fans across generations.

Sting's Early Days

Sting was born in Wallsend, Northumberland, England, on October 2, 1951. His mom, Audrey, worked as a hairdresser, while his dad, Ernest, was an engineer and milkman. Growing up, Sting was one of four siblings. His journey wasn't always about music; he attended St. Cuthbert's Grammar School and even enrolled at the University of Warwick, though he left before graduating. Before finding his true calling, Sting worked as a tax officer, building laborer, and bus conductor. However, music was always in his blood. While studying to become a primary school teacher, he played jazz in local bands, eventually earning the nickname "Sting" due to his signature yellow and black striped sweater that resembled a bee.

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The Rise of The Police

In 1977, Sting moved to London and formed The Police with Stewart Copeland and Henry Padovani (later replaced by Andy Summers). Their debut album, "Outlandos d'Amour," hit shelves in November 1978 and quickly climbed the charts in the U.K., France, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Hits like "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You" put them on the map. Their follow-up album, "Reggatta de Blanc," released in 1979, reached #1 in several countries, with "Message in a Bottle" earning Gold certification in the U.K. Over the next few years, The Police released three more albums, each chock-full of chart-topping hits like "Don't Stand So Close to Me," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," and "Every Breath You Take." By the time Sting left to pursue a solo career, The Police had won six Grammys and left an indelible mark on the music world. They reunited for a world tour in 2007, proving their timeless appeal.

A Solo Career That Shines

Sting's solo debut, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," dropped in June 1985 and marked the beginning of a remarkable solo career. Over the years, he released 14 studio albums, many of which achieved Platinum status or higher in the U.K. and U.S. Collaborations with artists like Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Julio Iglesias, and Sheryl Crow showcased his versatility. In 2000, Sting earned his first Academy Award nomination for "My Funny Friend and Me" from Disney's "The Emperor's New Groove." His voice also brought life to characters in films like "Bee Movie" and TV shows like "Life's Too Short." In 2015, Sting received a Tony nomination for his work on the musical "The Last Ship," and he continues to tour, including a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The Cash Cow: "Every Breath You Take"

Here's a fun fact about Sting: His 1983 hit "Every Breath You Take" is one of the most profitable songs of all time. When rapper Puff Daddy (now Diddy) released his cover "I'll Be Missing You" in 1997, it gave the song a massive boost in popularity. Diddy's version won a Grammy and sold over 7 million copies worldwide. Interestingly, because Sting is credited as the sole composer, he demanded and received 100% of the publishing royalties from Diddy's remix, a rarity in the music industry. Today, "Every Breath You Take" still generates around $2,000 a day ($730,000 per year) in royalties for Sting. However, this move left former bandmate Andy Summers feeling slighted, as his guitar riff was sampled without his consent or compensation.

A Personal Touch: Sting's Life Beyond Music

Sting's personal life has been as colorful as his music career. He was married to actress Frances Tomelty from 1976 to 1984, with whom he had two children, Joseph and Fuchsia. Their marriage ended when Sting began an affair with actress Trudie Styler, their neighbor and Tomelty's best friend. Sting and Styler tied the knot in 1992 and have four children together: Brigitte, Jake, Eliot, and Giacomo. Sting has faced legal challenges, including testifying against a former accountant who embezzled £6 million. Outside of music, Sting is a passionate advocate for yoga, writing the foreword for Ganga White's book "Yoga Beyond Belief." He's also a devoted fan of the Newcastle United football club, even writing a song in their honor.

Fighting for a Better World

Sting has always used his platform for good. In 1981, he performed at The Secret Policeman's Other Ball for Amnesty International and continued supporting the organization through concerts like the 1988 Human Rights Now tour. He joined Band Aid in 1984, contributing to "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and participating in the 1985 Live Aid concert. Alongside Trudie Styler, Sting co-founded the Rainforest Foundation Fund, and a species of Colombian tree frog was named Dendropsophus stingi in his honor. He's also performed at numerous benefit concerts, including Music for Montserrat, Live Earth, and Hope for Haiti Now. Sting supports causes like Bees for Development and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and he and Trudie received the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience award in 2000.

Awards Galore

Sting's talent has been recognized with countless awards. He's been nominated for 45 Grammys, winning 17 times. His film scores for "The Emperor's New Groove," "Kate & Leopold," "Cold Mountain," and "Jim: The James Foley Story" earned him Academy Award nominations, and he won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for "Until…" from "Kate & Leopold." Sting also claimed a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program and a World Soundtrack Award for "You Will Be My Ain True Love" (shared with Alison Krauss) from "Cold Mountain." He's received honors from the American Music Awards, the American Screenwriters Association, MTV Video Music Awards, and more. In 2000, Sting was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

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Sting's Real Estate Empire

Sting and Trudie have invested wisely in real estate. In 2008, they purchased a luxurious 5,417-square-foot penthouse in New York City's Central Park West area for $26.98 million. They later listed it for $56 million in 2017, eventually selling it for $50 million. The couple also owns properties in England, Italy, and Los Angeles, including a stunning 7-bedroom, 10-bathroom Malibu beach house that they rented out for $200,000 during the summer in 2017.