History of Sammy Hagar in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2025

Sammy Hagar, also known as the Red Rocker, is a multifaceted American figure. He is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He first gained recognition in the 1970s as a member of the hard rock band Montrose. Subsequently, he embarked on a prosperous solo career, achieving significant success with the song "I Can't Drive 55" in 1984. Hagar further amplified his fame as the lead singer of the band Van Halen, a role he held from 1985 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2005.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 3, 1968: Marriage to Betsy Berardi

On November 3, 1968, Sammy Hagar married his first wife, Betsy Berardi.

1982: Appearance of the 1982 Ferrari 512BB in the "I Can't Drive 55" Music Video

In 1982, Sammy Hagar's 1982 Ferrari 512BB appeared in his "I Can't Drive 55" music video.

Loading Video...

November 29, 1995: Marriage to Kari Hagar

On November 29, 1995, Sammy Hagar married his current wife, Kari Hagar.

July 25, 2006: Release of "Livin' It Up! In St. Louis with the Wabos"

On July 25, 2006, Sammy Hagar released an album and DVD called "Livin' It Up! In St. Louis with the Wabos".

2008: Foundation of the Hagar Family Foundation

In 2008, Sammy Hagar and his wife, Kari Hagar, founded the Hagar Family Foundation, a nonprofit focused on children's causes and hunger relief.

2008: Ownership of a 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1

In 2008, Sammy Hagar owns a 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1.

June 2009: Chickenfoot Debut Album Release

In June 2009, Chickenfoot's self-titled debut album was released, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard Music Chart.

April 3, 2011: "Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock" Reaches No. 1 on NYT Best Seller List

On April 3, 2011, Sammy Hagar's autobiography, "Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock," reached No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list of hardcover nonfiction.

May 2015: Release of "At Your Service"

In May 2015, Sammy Hagar and the Circle released a live recording on the album, "At Your Service".

August 2015: The Circle Plan to Make a Studio Album

In August 2015, The Circle discussed about making a studio record to follow up their live album, with Hagar stating his vision for the album to be American folk rock with a heavy edge.

September 2015: Release of "Are We Having Any Fun Yet? – The Cooking & Partying Handbook"

In September 2015, Sammy Hagar released the cookbook "Are We Having Any Fun Yet? – The Cooking & Partying Handbook," featuring recipes, pictures, and cooking memories.

May 10, 2019: Release of Sammy Hagar and the Circle's Debut Studio Album "Space Between"

On May 10, 2019, Sammy Hagar and the Circle released their debut studio album, "Space Between", on BMG, which achieved significant success on various Billboard charts.

January 2024: Appearance on PBS' Finding Your Roots and Discovery of Ancestry

In January 2024, Sammy Hagar appeared on an episode of PBS' Finding Your Roots where he learned of a discrepancy in his Y-DNA, linking him to the Belcher family instead of the Hagar lineage.

Loading Video...