Sammy Hagar Biography: Sam Roy Hagar born October 13, 1947, widely known as the Red Rocker, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He first gained fame in the early 1970s as part of the hard rock band Montrose before embarking on a successful solo career, with his 1984 hit “I Can’t Drive 55” marking a major milestone. Hagar also achieved significant success as the lead vocalist of Van Halen from 1985 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2005. In 2007, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen. His music is primarily rooted in hard rock and heavy metal. In addition to his musical career, Hagar is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded four spirits brands and 13 restaurants. In 2008, he and his wife, Kari Hagar, established the Hagar Family Foundation.
Sammy Hagar Biography
Sammy Hagar was born on October 13, 1947, in Monterey, California, USA. He is a musician, producer, and actor, best known for his work on Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar (2016), Footloose (1984), and Over the Top (1987). Hagar has been married to Kari Hagar since November 29, 1995, and the couple has two children. He was previously married to Betsy Berardi.
Sammy Hagar Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Sam Roy Hagar |
| Also known as | The Red Rocker |
| Born | October 13, 1947 (age 77) Salinas, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Hard rock
heavy metal glam metal |
| Occupations | Singer
songwriter musician |
| Instruments | Vocals
guitar |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Labels | Capitol
Geffen MCA Cabo Wabo Beyond Music Loud & Proud Roadrunner Silverline earMUSIC 33rd Street |
| Member of | Sammy Hagar & the Waboritas
Chickenfoot Sammy Hagar and the Circle |
| Formerly of | Montrose
Van Halen HSAS Planet Us |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Sammy Hagar
Sam Roy Hagar, also known as the Red Rocker, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He rose to prominence in the early 1970s with the hard rock band Montrose before launching a successful solo career, scoring a hit in 1984 with “I Can’t Drive 55”.
Sammy Hagar Wiki
- Born: 13 October 1947 (age 77 years), Salinas, California, United States
- Music groups: Van Halen, Montrose, Chickenfoot ·
- Spouse: Kari Karte (m. 1995), Betsy Berardi (m. 1968–1994)
- Children: Samantha Hagar, Aaron Hagar, Kama Hagar, Andrew Hagar
- Height: 78 m
Early Life
Sam Roy Hagar was born on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California, to Robert Alton “Bobby” Hagar and Alberta “Gladys” (née Baio) Hagar. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Sam Roy Baio. Although there have been claims that Hagar is of Lebanese descent, he has stated that he is of Irish and Italian heritage. Hagar’s family worked in the lettuce fields, and he lived with his parents and three siblings in a labor camp until they moved to Fontana, California. His father, Bobby, secured a job at the Kaiser Steel Mill working in the open hearth.
Bobby, an alcoholic boxer, had a troubled life, including a record for being knocked down 20 times in a single fight. Hagar described his father as an abusive alcoholic and “madman” who often mistreated his mother. At times, Hagar’s mother would take the children to sleep in the car at a nearby orange grove to escape his father’s violence. The family moved frequently, as Bobby would often spend the rent money on alcohol.
Sammy Hagar at a Glance
Category: Richest Celebrities › Rock Stars
Net Worth: $150 Million
Birthdate: October 13, 1947 (77 years old)
Birthplace: Salinas, California
Gender: Male
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Profession: Singer, Musician, Guitarist, Songwriter, Lyricist, Composer, Businessperson, Author, Actor
Nationality: United States
Cabo Wabo Fortune
Although Hagar made his initial fortune in the music industry, the majority of his current wealth comes from his entrepreneurial ventures. In the late 1990s, Hagar launched his own brand of tequila, Cabo Wabo, named after a bar he purchased in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in the 1980s. The bar and tequila gained immense popularity, attracting both local and international customers.
In 2007, Hagar sold 80% of the Cabo Wabo tequila company to Gruppo Campari for $80 million. In 2009, he sold the remaining 20% for an additional $15 million, making approximately $95 million from the two deals.
Montrose and Solo Success
Hagar’s big break came in 1973 when he joined the band Montrose. He contributed to their debut and second albums, including writing the song “Bad Motor Scooter.” After leaving Montrose, Hagar pursued a solo career and achieved significant success, particularly with his 1984 hit “I Can’t Drive 55” from the album VOA. This marked the beginning of his Red Rocker persona.
Van Halen Years
In 1985, Eddie and Alex Van Halen invited Hagar to become the lead singer of their band, replacing David Lee Roth. With Hagar at the helm, Van Halen released four multi-platinum, chart-topping albums: 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and Balance. These albums produced nine number-one rock hits, and the period is often referred to as the “Van Hagar” years. Despite the band’s success, internal discord led to Hagar leaving in 1996.
In the early 1990s, Hagar, along with Van Halen’s bassist Michael Anthony and drummer David Lauser, formed the band Los Tres Gusanos, which played Hagar’s songs, Van Halen hits, and covers. Hagar rejoined Van Halen in 2003 for a world tour, but tensions within the band resurfaced, leading to his departure in 2005.
Cabo Wabo and Other Ventures
Hagar expanded his brand with Cabo Wabo, selling tequila and owning a nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, called Cabo Wabo Cantina. He also opened “Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill” at Harrah’s Casino in St. Louis, Missouri, and later at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas. Hagar donates all profits from these locations to local charities.
Personal Life
Hagar married his first wife, Betsy Berardi, on November 3, 1968. They had two sons, Aaron (born 1970) and Andrew (born 1984), before divorcing in 1994 after 26 years of marriage. He married his current wife, Kari Hagar, on November 29, 1995, and they have two daughters, Kama (born 1996) and Samantha (born 2001).
Real Estate
Sammy and Kari primarily reside in Mill Valley, California, north of San Francisco, where they’ve lived since 1978. Hagar also owns a home in Lake Tahoe, purchased in 2007 for $450,000, and has been attempting to sell his Lake Arrowhead, California estate. The 6,557-square-foot home, purchased for $2.3 million in 2009, is available for rent at $30,000 a month or for weekend stays. Despite being listed for $5.25 million, it’s now priced at $3.9 million. Hagar previously owned a home in Haiku, Hawaii, which he sold for $3.1 million in 2018.
Car Collection
A passionate car enthusiast, Hagar is particularly fond of Ferraris. In 2015, he custom-ordered a $2.2 million white LaFerrari, one of only 499 in the world. He also owns a black 1982 Ferrari 512BB, made famous in his “I Can’t Drive 55” music video. Other cars in his collection include a 2005 Aston Martin Vanquish Lagonda, a 1967 Gateway GCM-R Fastback Mustang, a 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1, a Ford Shelby GT, a Jaguar XKE, a Ford GT, and many others.
What is Sammy Hagar’s Net Worth 2025?
Sammy Hagar, an American rock singer and entrepreneur, boasts a net worth of $150 million. Known as “The Red Rocker,” Hagar is most famous for his tenure as the lead singer of Van Halen. He replaced David Lee Roth in 1985 and fronted the band until 1996, and again from 2003 to 2005. Hagar has also found success in business, co-owning the tequila brand Santo Tequila with Guy Fieri. Additionally, he owns Beach Bar Rum and previously founded the Cabo Wabo tequila company. In 2007 and 2009, he sold Cabo Wabo for a total of $95 million.
FAQs
What are Sammy Hagar’s most famous musical accomplishments?
Sammy Hagar is most famous for his time as the lead singer of Van Halen from 1985 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2005. During his tenure with the band, he helped release four multi-platinum albums: 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and Balance. Additionally, his solo career included major hits like “I Can’t Drive 55.”
How did Sammy Hagar build his fortune outside of music?
Beyond music, Sammy Hagar built substantial wealth through his successful tequila brand, Cabo Wabo. In 2007, he sold 80% of the company to Gruppo Campari for $80 million, later selling the remaining 20% in 2009 for an additional $15 million. He also owns Beach Bar Rum and co-owns Santo Tequila with chef Guy Fieri.
What is Sammy Hagar’s connection to the Cabo Wabo tequila brand?
Sammy Hagar founded Cabo Wabo tequila in the late 1990s, inspired by a bar he purchased in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in the 1980s. The brand quickly gained global recognition, and Hagar sold most of it in two major deals for a total of $95 million. He still maintains an association with the brand through his bar in Cabo San Lucas.
How many children does Sammy Hagar have?
Sammy Hagar has four children. He has two sons, Aaron and Andrew, from his first marriage to Betsy Berardi. With his second wife, Kari Hagar, whom he married in 1995, he has two daughters, Kama and Samantha.
What other business ventures does Sammy Hagar have?
In addition to his spirits brands, Sammy Hagar owns several restaurants and bars, including the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He has also opened Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill at locations like Harrah’s Casino in St. Louis and McCarran Airport in Las Vegas. All profits from these locations are donated to local charities.
Has Sammy Hagar been involved in any television projects?
Yes, Sammy Hagar is the host of Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar (2016), where he travels across the U.S., interviewing rock legends and sharing stories. The show combines his love of music and adventure, allowing fans a glimpse into the lives of iconic rock stars.