What is Polly Samson's net worth?
Polly Samson is an English novelist, lyricist, and journalist who has a net worth of $30 million. Polly Samson gained widespread recognition through her creative collaboration with the rock band Pink Floyd and her marriage to guitarist David Gilmour. Her songwriting contributions appeared on Pink Floyd's final studio albums "The Division Bell" (1994) and "The Endless River" (2014), as well as on several of Gilmour's solo projects. Beyond her connection to Pink Floyd, Samson has established herself as an accomplished author, penning critically acclaimed novels and short story collections that explore themes of family dynamics, loss, and artistic creation.
Early Life and Career
Born on April 29, 1962, in London, Polly Samson was raised in a creative household. Her father was the diplomatic correspondent Lance Samson, and her mother was a writer and journalist from China. After leaving school at sixteen, Samson began working in publishing, starting as a publisher's assistant before moving into editorial roles. During the 1980s, she worked as a journalist and in book publishing, developing her craft as a writer while building connections in London's literary scene.
Literary Works
Samson's literary career began with her first collection of short stories, "Perfect Lives" (2010), which garnered positive reviews for its intimate portrayal of interconnected lives. Her debut novel, "Out of the Picture" (2000), established her distinctive voice in contemporary British literature. She has since published several acclaimed works, including "The Kindness" (2015) and "A Theatre for Dreamers" (2020), the latter becoming a Sunday Times bestseller. Her writing style is known for its lyrical quality and deep psychological insight into characters' lives.
Collaboration with Pink Floyd
In the early 1990s, Samson began collaborating with David Gilmour on song lyrics, contributing significantly to Pink Floyd's 1994 album "The Division Bell." Her lyrics explored themes of communication, alienation, and redemption, fitting seamlessly into Pink Floyd's philosophical and psychological territory. This collaboration continued with Gilmour's solo work, including the albums "On an Island" (2006) and "Rattle That Lock" (2015).
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Personal Life
Samson married David Gilmour in 1994 after meeting him while working in publishing. They have four children together, and she became stepmother to Gilmour's four children from his previous marriage. The couple lives between homes in Sussex and London, maintaining a creative partnership that spans both music and literature. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual artistic support, with Gilmour often participating in her book launches and Samson contributing to his musical projects.
Journalism and Other Work
Throughout her career, Samson has maintained an active presence in journalism, writing for numerous publications including The Guardian, The Sunday Times, and The Independent. Her articles often focus on cultural topics, literature, and personal essays that draw from her unique perspective as both an insider and observer of the music industry and literary world.
Recent Years
In recent years, Samson has focused primarily on her novel writing while continuing to engage in public discourse about literature and the arts. Her latest work, "A Theatre for Dreamers," set in 1960s Greece, garnered significant acclaim and demonstrated her ability to weave historical figures like Leonard Cohen into compelling narrative fiction. She regularly appears at literary festivals and cultural events, discussing her work and creative process.
