Exploring The Legacy Behind Merrilee Rush Net Worth Growth

Merrilee Rush made a lasting impression on the music world with her hauntingly beautiful 1968 hit “Angel of the Morning,” a song that still resonates across generations. Her distinct voice and emotional delivery helped define a moment in pop music history, earning her both acclaim and a Grammy nomination. Though she stepped back from the mainstream spotlight in later years, her contributions to music continue to be celebrated. As fans revisit her classic recordings and new listeners discover her work, many naturally wonder about Merrilee Rush’s net worth and how her iconic career has translated into financial success.

Who is Merrilee Rush?

Merrilee Rush is an American singer who rose to fame in the late 1960s, best known for her enduring hit “Angel of the Morning.” Born on January 26, 1944, in Seattle, Washington, Rush developed an early interest in music and began performing as a vocalist in local bands. Her early musical journey included working with her husband’s group, Merrilee and the Turnabouts, where she established herself as a captivating frontwoman with a soulful presence.

Her big break came when she recorded “Angel of the Morning,” written by Chip Taylor and produced by Memphis-based American Sound Studio. The single climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 and earned Rush a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Female Vocalist. The song’s success catapulted her into national attention and remains the defining track of her career.

Known for her warm, expressive vocal tone and emotionally rich delivery, Rush became a symbol of soft rock and orchestral pop in an era defined by both innovation and sentimentality. Although she did not produce a string of follow-up hits, her contribution to the era was significant, and “Angel of the Morning” continues to be a cultural touchstone, often featured in films, commercials, and cover versions by other artists.

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2025, Merrilee Rush’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million, based on publicly available sources, royalties, and historical industry income patterns. While she had a relatively brief run at the top of the charts, her music—especially her signature hit—has had a surprisingly long financial lifespan. Her wealth is the result of classic music royalties, media licensing, public performances, and the enduring popularity of “Angel of the Morning.”

1. Record Sales and Royalties

The single “Angel of the Morning” was a commercial success at the time of its release, selling over a million copies and earning gold certification from the RIAA. As the performer, Rush was entitled to royalties from sales, although the exact amounts would depend on the terms of her recording contract—most contracts from that era gave artists a relatively small cut, often 5–10% of wholesale sales.

Still, the long-term nature of music royalties has allowed “Angel of the Morning” to continue generating income decades later. With the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, classic hits from the 1960s have found new life with younger audiences. Each digital stream, although paying just fractions of a cent, adds up when multiplied by thousands—or millions—of plays annually.

Additionally, Rush may still receive performance royalties through collection societies such as BMI or ASCAP when the song is played on radio or used in public venues.

2. Licensing and Media Usage

One of the most lucrative aspects of Merrilee Rush’s musical legacy is the licensing of “Angel of the Morning” for use in television, film, and advertising. The song has been featured in numerous prominent productions, including:

Jerry Maguire (1996)
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Deadpool (2016)
Various TV shows and commercials

These placements typically come with licensing fees that range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the duration, prominence, and distribution of the media. While most of the publishing revenue goes to the songwriter (Chip Taylor), performers like Rush are often entitled to master recording royalties or sync fee participation—particularly when the original track is used.

These periodic licensing deals not only bring renewed attention to the song but also deliver bursts of income that can significantly boost long-term financial standing.

3. Cover Versions and Sampling

“Angel of the Morning” has been covered by multiple artists over the years—most notably Juice Newton in 1981, whose version also became a chart hit. Other renditions and samples (like Shaggy’s “Angel” in 2001, which interpolated the melody) help keep the song relevant and commercially active.

Although Rush doesn’t earn songwriter royalties from these versions, they do help maintain demand for the original, driving up plays, purchases, and licensing opportunities. This indirectly contributes to her earnings by sustaining interest in her recording.

4. Appearances, Touring, and Nostalgia Events

Although not a full-time touring act in recent decades, Merrilee Rush has participated in oldies concerts, televised retrospectives, and tribute events throughout the years. These appearances, especially those tied to 1960s nostalgia, often include performance fees, travel compensation, and media exposure that can lead to increased sales or streams.

She has also been invited to speak or perform at Grammy retrospectives, radio station events, and music history panels, which may not always be high-paying, but do contribute to both her visibility and income stream over time.

5. Residual Popularity and Catalog Value

One of the most important factors in Rush’s net worth is the timelessness of her work. “Angel of the Morning” remains a staple in playlists celebrating love songs, women of the ’60s, and classic American pop. This enduring presence in culture adds continued value to her catalog—especially when new audiences discover her through film or streaming platforms.

Additionally, rights to her performance recordings may hold significant intellectual property value, especially if ever bundled into catalog sales or compilations. With the rising trend of investors and labels acquiring rights to classic catalogs, even artists with one iconic hit can command notable licensing deals.

Featured Image Source: last.fm