Kathy Westmoreland Net Worth 2025
Kathy Westmoreland at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $2 Million
- Birthdate: August 10, 1945
- Birthplace: Texarkana, Arkansas, USA
- Profession: Singer, Author
- Nationality: American
- Major Achievements: Soprano backup singer for Elvis Presley (1970–1977), author of “Elvis and Kathy”
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What is Kathy Westmoreland’s Net Worth?
Kathy Westmoreland is an American singer and author who has a net worth of $2 million as of 2025. She is best known for her work as a high-voiced soprano backup singer for the legendary Elvis Presley during the final years of his career. Her wealth was primarily accumulated through her long and successful career in the music industry, royalties from her book, and performances.
Westmoreland’s role in Elvis’s TCB Band was significant, making her a visible and memorable figure during his iconic 1970s concert tours. Beyond her association with the King of Rock and Roll, she built a career performing with other notable artists and through her own solo endeavors.
Early Life
Kathleen “Kathy” Westmoreland was born on August 10, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas. Immersed in music from a very young age, she was destined for a life on stage. Her father was a musician, and her mother enjoyed singing, creating a nurturing environment for her natural talents to flourish.
By the age of 14, she was already performing professionally. She pursued formal training, which honed her exceptional vocal range, and by the late 1960s, she was a regular on television shows like The Red Skelton Show as part of “The Anita Kerr Singers.” This early exposure paved the way for her future success.
Career
Westmoreland’s career is defined by her incredible vocal talent and her historic association with one of music’s greatest icons. Her journey from a TV singer to a globally recognized performer is a testament to her skill.
Breakthrough with Elvis Presley
In 1970, Kathy Westmoreland’s career took a monumental turn when she was hired to join Elvis Presley’s touring band. As a soprano Elvis Presley backup singer, her powerful and soaring voice became a signature element of his live shows. She wasn’t just in the background; Elvis often featured her in a solo spot, famously introducing her to the audience before she performed the operatic soprano line in the song “Suspicious Minds.”
Her tenure with Elvis lasted from 1970 until his final concert in 1977. During these seven years, she participated in hundreds of sold-out shows across the United States, including his famous Las Vegas residencies. Her time with Elvis was later chronicled in her 1987 memoir, Elvis and Kathy, where she detailed their professional and personal relationship.
Major Earnings & Achievements
While specific salary figures from the 1970s are not publicly documented by sources like Forbes, top-tier backup singers for a superstar like Elvis were well-compensated. Earnings would have come from:
| Touring Salaries | Consistent pay for hundreds of live performances. |
| Television Specials | Fees for appearances in globally broadcasted events like Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite. |
| Recording Sessions | Work on several of Elvis’s albums during the 1970s. |
| Book Royalties | Her memoir provided an additional, long-term income stream. |
Her most significant achievement remains her contribution to the sound of Elvis’s 70s concerts, a role cherished by fans to this day.
Personal Life
Kathy Westmoreland’s personal life was famously intertwined with her professional one. In her book, she wrote about a romantic relationship she had with Elvis Presley during her time in the band. This has made her a figure of great interest among Elvis fans and historians.
Today, Kathy Westmoreland today lives a more private life but remains connected to her legacy. She occasionally participates in events celebrating Elvis’s life and music, sharing her unique experiences with new generations of fans. As a renowned Kathy Westmoreland singer, her legacy is cemented in music history.
FAQ
What is Kathy Westmoreland doing now?
Kathy Westmoreland lives a relatively private life. She occasionally makes public appearances at Elvis-related fan events and conventions, where she shares memories of her time touring with the music legend.
How long did Kathy Westmoreland sing with Elvis?
Kathy Westmoreland was Elvis Presley’s soprano backup singer for seven years, from the summer of 1970 until his final performance in June 1977.
What was Kathy Westmoreland’s highest note?
She is known for her impressive vocal range, capable of hitting a high E-flat above high C, a feat that often amazed audiences during live performances with Elvis.
Did Kathy Westmoreland write a book about Elvis?
Yes, in 1987, she co-authored and published a memoir titled Elvis and Kathy, detailing her professional and personal relationship with Elvis Presley.
