American musician of mixed ethnicity James Hatfield is popularly known as the co-founder, songwriter and singer of the heavy metal band Metallica.

Biography of James Hetfield

James Alan Hetfield, co-founder of the heavy metal band Metallic, was born on August 3, 1963, in Downey, California, United States of America, to Cynthia Bassett, an opera singer, and Virgil Lee Hetfield, a driver of truck. He grew up alongside his two older half-brothers and a younger sister and is of mixed English, German, Irish and Scottish ethnicity.

At the age of 13, James, from a strict Christian home, was living alone with his mother after his father divorced. Cynthia James’ mother believed only in her Christian teachings and avoided medications when she became ill. As a result, she died of cancer without medical treatment because she believed only in healing through her faith. At that time, the singer was 16 years old. Strict belief in Christian teachings, particularly practiced by his mother, inspired James in his musical career for his songs Dyers Eve and The God That Failed.

The American singer was a lover of musical instruments as he played the piano, drums and guitar from a young age.

He completed his high school education at Downey High School before moving to Brea Olinda High School, where he graduated in 1981.

Regarding his musical career, James founded the multi-Grammy Award-winning band Metallic in 1981 with drummer Lars Ulrich.

The band’s core members include singer and guitarist James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton.

As a core member of the group, they released their debut album Kill ‘Em All in 1983 and their second album Ride the Lightning in 1984. He went on to release other albums, including Master of Puppets, which achieved commercial success and won the group nine Grammy Awards.

James Hetfield Age, Birthday, Zodiac Sign

Since James was born in August 1963, he is 59 years old and a Leo.

Who is James Hetfield’s wife?

James was dating his beloved wife, American costume designer Francesca Tomasi (Hetfield), since August 17, 1997 and they got married. Unfortunately, he filed for divorce in August 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. They are currently raising their children together.

How many children does James Hetfield have?

The blonde-haired, blue-eyed American music star was blessed with three children with his ex-wife: Castor Virgil Hetfield, Marcella Francesca Hetfield and Cali Tee Hetfield.

James Hetfield, siblings

Due to his mother’s previous marriage, James has a younger biological sister and two half-older brothers. They are Deanna Hetfield, Christopher Hale and David Hale.

What religion is James Hetfield?

Hetfield was born and raised in a strict Christian home and remains faithful to the faith to this day, even though he rejects some of the teachings he was taught as a child.

Is James Hetfield the best guitarist of all time?

He is primarily considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, ranking 19th in the Guitar World poll, 2nd in the “100 Greatest Metal Guitarists” poll, and 87th according to Rolling Stone.

James Hetfield’s Net Worth

As the leader, co-founder and songwriter of the elite American band Metallica, he has been able to earn an estimated net worth of $300 million.