Sammy Hagar, known as "The Red Rocker," has achieved success as a rock singer, songwriter, and musician, transitioning into a notable entrepreneur with ventures in spirits and hospitality.
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Request A ShowAmerican rocker Sammy Hagar has partnered with Epic Rights and Prominent Brand + Talent to develop a licensing program for his Sammy's Island brand.
Hagar created Cabo Wabo Tequila to serve patrons at his Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He began to distribute it in 1999. In 2007, his company sold 147,000 cases, making it the second-best-selling premium Tequila in the United States. In May 2007, Hagar sold an 80% interest in Cabo Wabo Tequila to Gruppo Campari for $80 million. In 2010, he sold the remaining 20% interest in Cabo Wabo Tequila to Gruppo Campari for $11 million, totaling $91 million.
In November 2011, Hagar launched Sammy's Beach Bar Rum in Hawaii. It is distilled on Maui by Hali'imaile Distilling Company and is being rolled out to other North American markets.
In 2019, Hagar teamed up with Guy Fieri to launch Santo tequila brand.
Samuel Roy Hagar was born on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California. Raised in a labor camp, his family later relocated to Fontana, California, where his father worked at Kaiser Steel Mill. Hagar’s early life involved working odd jobs to contribute to his family. He developed an interest in music during high school, learning to play guitar. His initial musical endeavors included local bands such as the Fabulous Castilles and the Justice Brothers. A significant turning point in his early career occurred when he was discovered and joined the hard rock band Montrose in 1973. With Montrose, Hagar recorded their debut and sophomore albums, which included his original song “Bad Motor Scooter.” Conflicts within the band led to his departure in 1975.
Following his time with Montrose, Hagar embarked on a solo career, signing with Capitol Records. He built his persona as “the Red Rocker” and released albums like “Nine on a Ten Scale” in 1976. In 1982, he moved to Geffen Records and released “Standing Hampton,” which became a platinum-selling album. His solo hit “I Can’t Drive 55” from the 1984 album “VOA” gained significant AOR airplay and charted at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. This established him as a prominent solo artist throughout the United States and Europe. In 1985, Hagar joined Van Halen as their lead vocalist, contributing to four multi-platinum, number 1 Billboard charting albums, including “5150,” “OU812,” “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,” and “Balance.” His tenure with Van Halen solidified his status in rock music, earning him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of the band.
Beyond his musical achievements, Hagar has cultivated a career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded Cabo Wabo Cantina, a nightclub and restaurant chain, and launched a successful line of Cabo Wabo Tequila. In 2007, he sold an 80% interest in Cabo Wabo Tequila to Gruppo Campari for $80 million, followed by the remaining 20% interest in 2010 for $11 million. He also established Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill locations, donating all profits to local charities. In 2008, he co-founded the Hagar Family Foundation with his wife Kari, focusing on children’s causes and hunger relief. His other ventures include Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, the restaurant El Paseo, and hosting the radio show “Sammy Hagar’s Top Rock Countdown” and the television program “Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar.”
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