Kathy Mattea is a two-time Grammy Award winning country music singer-songwriter known for hit songs like "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses" and "Where‘ve You Been." With a career spanning over 4 decades, the West Virginia native has built an estimated net worth of around $10 million.
Kathy Mattea‘s Small Town Roots in West Virginia
Kathy Mattea was born in 1959 and raised in South Charleston, West Virginia, a small coal mining town. Growing up, Mattea was surrounded by the folk, country, and bluegrass music of the Appalachian region which heavily influenced her musical style and songwriting.
After graduating college with a degree in mining engineering, Mattea decided to pursue her passion for music full-time and moved to Nashville in 1983 to break into the country music industry.
Her Commercial Peak in the Late 80s and Early 90s
Mattea worked hard playing local gigs before landing a record deal with Mercury/PolyGram Records in 1983. Her early albums garnered little attention until her career broke through with 1987‘s Walk the Way the Wind Blows featuring the Top 10 hit "Love at the Five and Dime."
However, her major commercial success ran from 1988 to 1994 starting with the #1 single "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses" about a truck driver. Mattea quickly became one of country radio‘s most played female vocalists as fans connected with her warm, textured voice and songs about small town life.
Other major hits like "Come From the Heart," "Burnin‘ Old Memories" and "Where‘ve You Been" showcased Mattea‘s storytelling and ability to interpret lyrics. "Where‘ve You Been" won Mattea her first Grammy award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1990. Its pop crossover success proved the broad appeal of her heartfelt, Neotraditional country sound.
Critical Praise and Accolades
Critics consistently praise Mattea as one of country‘s most gifted vocal stylists. Music writer Alanna Nash said "she has a voice that can ache with loneliness or soar with joy." She is regarded for the emotional nuance and versatility of her singing.
Mattea‘s honors include Female Vocalist awards from the CMA and ACM in 1990 and 1993 respectively. She also earned a second Grammy for her holiday album Good News in 1993. Her mantel today overflows with awards recognizing her as one of the format‘s premiere vocal talents.
In 1994, Mattea achieved elite status in country music when she was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She continues to regularly perform at the venerable Nashville institution today.
Mattea‘s Charitable Efforts and Advocacy
Off stage, Mattea has spent significant time and money advancing causes close to her heart. She has been a dedicated AIDS activist since the 1990s, raising funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and research.
Mattea has also been outspoken on environmental issues like mountaintop removal coal mining that harms rural communities like the one she grew up in. Her advocacy reflects her down-to-earth personality and connections to her West Virginia roots.
Net Worth Fueled by Album Sales and Touring
According to multiple net worth sites such as CelebrityNetWorth.com, Mattea has built an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million as of 2023.
The vast majority of her wealth stems from album sales and revenue accumulated over her 40+ year career touring the world. She has sold over 5 million records globally and earned 7 Gold and 2 Platinum album certifications from the RIAA for significant U.S. sales:
| Album | Certification |
|---|---|
| Love at the Five and Dime | Gold |
| Willow in the Wind | Gold |
| Untasted Honey | Gold |
| Time Passes By | Gold |
| A Collection of Hits | Gold |
| Joy for Christmas Day | Platinum |
| Good News | Platinum |
Though she hasn‘t had a radio hit since the early 2000s, Mattea remains a popular concert draw on the folk and acoustic music circuits, allowing her to maintain a steady income in her later career.
Mattea‘s Life Today
Now age 63, Kathy Mattea lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband of over 30 years, singer-songwriter Jon Vezner. The couple have no children.
When not touring or recording new albums like 2020‘s Pretty Bird, Mattea cherishes getting to relax at home and spend time with her loved ones. She remains grateful for the loyal fans who have supported her songs of hope and heartbreak for so many years.
In summary, Kathy Mattea has transitioned from being a mining engineer‘s daughter to a coal miner‘s favorite singer to a revered icon of country music worth an estimated $10 million – proving how big dreams can come true, even from small town beginnings.
