Melba Moore is a name that has stood the test of time in the entertainment industry. From her Tony Award-winning Broadway performances to her success in R&B music, she has built a legacy that spans decades.
However, like many celebrities, her financial journey has had its highs and lows.
In this article, Aupeo takes a deep dive into Melba Moore net worth, her sources of income, and the financial challenges she has faced. We’ll also explore how she rebuilt her career and where she stands financially in 2025.
Melba Moore Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Beatrice Melba Smith |
| Popular Name | Melba Moore |
| Birth Date | October 29, 1945 |
| Age (as of 03/11/2025) | 79 |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Education | Newark Arts High School, Montclair State College (BA in Music) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Charles Huggins (m. 1974, div. 1991) |
| Children | Melba Charli Huggins |
| Dating | Previously dated Clifton Davis |
| Siblings | Gwendolyn Louise Hill |
| Parents | Gertrude Melba Smith (Bonnie Davis), Teddy Hill |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
| Net Worth | $30,000 (estimated in 2025) |
| Source of Wealth | Music, Acting, Broadway, Television |
What is the Net Worth of Melba Moore in 2025?
As of 2025, Melba Moore’s net worth is estimated at $30,000. While she has had a long and successful career in entertainment, financial challenges and legal disputes over the years have significantly impacted her wealth.
Despite her struggles, she remains an influential figure in music and Broadway. Compared to other R&B legends of her time, her financial situation is unique, as many of her peers, such as Freddy Jackson and Meli’sa Morgan, have maintained higher net worths due to ongoing royalties and business investments.
Related People & Companies:
- Clifton Davis
- Charles Huggins
- Freddy Jackson
- Meli’sa Morgan
- Capitol Records
- Broadway
- R&B Hall of Fame
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Huesh Productions
- Entertainment Industry
Interested in how other stars rank financially? Check out the wealthiest celebrities in entertainment.
Melba Moore Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn from Her Music and Acting Career?
Melba Moore’s earnings primarily come from her work in music, Broadway, and television. She started her career in the 1967 musical Hair, later winning a Tony Award for Purlie in 1970. Her success continued with chart-topping R&B hits like This Is It, Falling, and You Stepped Into My Life.
Her transition into acting also contributed to her income, with roles in films like The Fighting Temptations and Def by Temptation. Additionally, she starred in the 1986 CBS sitcom Melba, though the show was canceled abruptly after the Challenger explosion.
What Are Her Primary Sources of Income?
Her financial success has been driven by multiple revenue streams, including:
- Music Sales & Royalties – Albums like Peach Melba, A Lot of Love, and Forever Moore brought in revenue.
- Broadway Performances – She earned from productions like Les Misérables and Ain’t Misbehavin’.
- Acting in TV & Film – Appeared in projects alongside stars like Beyoncé and Cuba Gooding Jr.
- Business Ventures – Co-founded Huesh Productions, helping launch careers of R&B artists like Freddy Jackson.
Did She Face Financial Struggles?
Yes, her financial troubles became widely known. After her divorce from Charles Huggins, she found herself in a difficult financial position. Reports indicated she lost millions and was forced to rely on welfare at one point.
The loss of her record label, legal battles, and industry shifts further contributed to her financial downturn. However, she continued performing and recording, proving her resilience.
How Did She Rebuild Her Finances?
Despite setbacks, Melba Moore rebuilt her career with a mix of new music releases and live performances.
- She released The Gift of Love in 2009, marking her return to R&B.
- Her gospel album The Day I Turned to You (2019) showed her continued passion for music.
- Live performances and Broadway revivals kept her financially afloat.
- She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023, solidifying her legacy.
What Business Ventures Has She Been Involved In?
In 1975, Melba Moore and Charles Huggins founded Huesh Productions, a music management and production company. Through this venture, she helped Freddy Jackson and Meli’sa Morgan gain prominence in the R&B world.
Although her business ventures did not sustain long-term financial success, they played a crucial role in shaping the careers of other artists.
How Does She Compare Financially to Other Artists?
While some of her contemporaries, like Donna Summer and Aretha Franklin, maintained high net worths through continuous album sales and royalties, Melba Moore faced financial instability due to personal and business losses. However, her impact on R&B, Broadway, and entertainment remains undeniable.
What Is Her Financial Legacy Today?
Today, Melba Moore’s financial legacy is tied to her resilience and contributions to entertainment. She has won numerous awards, including:
- Tony Award for Purlie (1970)
- Three Grammy Nominations
- Induction into the R&B Hall of Fame (2015)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2023)
Her story serves as a lesson in perseverance, demonstrating that success is not just about wealth but also about influence and impact.
Conclusion
Melba Moore’s financial journey has been a rollercoaster, but her legacy in entertainment is undeniable. Despite financial struggles, she remains a respected artist with a dedicated fanbase.
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