Gerard Hugh “Leo” Sayer, better known as Leo Sayer is a renowned singer and songwriter from England. Active since the 1970s, Leo has spent more than five decades in the music industry, entertaining people with his lovely songs.
Known for his powerful voice, Leo has delivered several hit songs throughout his career. Even though he is past his prime, people still love to hear his songs. Since 2009, Leo has been an Australian citizen, and he is well-settled in his new home. If you are eager to know more about his career journey, give this post a read.
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Early Life
Leo Sayer was born on 21st May 1948, in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, England, where he grew up with his two siblings. His parents were Theresa Nolan and Thomas E.G. Sayer. According to online sources, his mother was from Northern Ireland, while his father was English.
Growing up, Leo developed an interest in drawing and music. He attended St Peter’s Catholic School and then transferred to Blessed Robert Southwell. After that, he joined West Sussex College of Art and Design to study commercial art and graphic design.
Beginning of Career
Leo’s journey into music began in the 1970s when he met musician and songwriter David Courtney. Together, they worked on demos, which caught the attention of manager Adam Faith, a former pop star. With Faith’s help, Leo began writing and performing songs professionally.
Leo released his debut single, “Why Is Everybody Going Home,” in 1973. But it didn’t do very well. It was his second single, “The Show Must Go On,” that gained him widespread recognition.
Shot to Fame
Leo’s rose to fame in the mid-1970s, after releasing a string of chart-topping hits. His third album, Another Year featured the hit single Moonlighting, which became famous worldwide, helping him to climb the success ladder.
In 1976, Leo’s career soared even higher after he released the album, Endless Flight. It included his iconic hits like “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and “When I Need You,” which solidified his status as an international star.
Relationship
Leo Sayer’s personal life was as eventful as his career. He got married to Janice Lisseter in 1973, but the couple ended up in divorce in 1985. After his divorce, he had a few relationships, including one with Donatella Piccinetti. The two separated in 2007 but reunited again in 2023, the year they got married.
In 2009, Leo decided to become an Australian citizen and settled in Sydney.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
As per online sources, Leo Sayer’s net worth in 2025 is approx. $20 million. His primary source of income has been his music career, where he earned record sales, live performances, and songwriting royalties. Over the years, he has also generated a decent amount from licensing his songs for films, commercials, and other media. In addition to his music, Leo has made a few television appearances, which further contributed to his wealth and net worth.