Songwriters and singers aren’t always one and the same, as evidenced by Drake and Meek Mill feud. That’s not to say that singers can’t also be famous songwriters. From Joni Mitchell with her iconic Reprise Records hit “Woodstock’”, to songwriter Carole King, who has had hundreds of songs reach the Billboard Hot 100, the names you’ll see on this list are all pop culture favorites who have made themselves famous for their art, both pen to paper and vocally. Needless to say, they also collect a pretty penny from all those royalties.
Here Are The Richest Songwriters Of All Time
Neil Diamond – $175 million
Greatest Hits: Song Sung Blue, Cracklin’ Rosie
Neil Diamond is an artist who has sold over one hundred albums worldwide and has thirty-eight singles reaching the top 10 billboard charts. He’s one of history’s best-selling artists. He had ten top-spot singles and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011 and 1984 respectively. Diamond is also known for its humor. He was parodied on SNL by Will Ferrell and so enjoyed the spoof that he starred alongside Ferrell in the comedian’s final May 2002 broadcast.
Neil Diamond
Johnny Cash – $60 million
Greatest Hits: I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash is one of the most successful singers, selling more than ninety million albums worldwide. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Known for his hard-edged music. “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” was his opening line. Before each concert, he would make the simple introduction, shirking the showboat popular in the rock genre (but less so in country music). Cash’s legacy was remembered in Walk the Line, distributed by 20th Century Fox.
Johnny Cash
Joni Mitchell – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Woodstock, Big Yellow Taxi
Joni Mitchell’s Blue album is one of the greatest. She is a guitarist, pianist, and poet. She mixed folk, pop, jazz, and rock elements in her music and began singing in the streets and small bars. She was actively active in the counterculture of Baby Boom, with regular advocacy and demonstrations. Her “Big Yellow Taxi” songs, “Woodstock,” and Both Sides, Now all released by Reprise Records, were among her biggest hits. Also noted for her adaptability. She changed her look and voice many times, becoming a pop and electronic influence.
Joni Mitchell
Jerry Garcia – $40 million
Greatest Hits: Truckin’, Sugaree
Jerry Garcia, born in San Francisco, was part of the popular band throughout his thirty-year career. He also had several other bands and other solo albums. He was 13th on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists” list. He was Grateful Dead’s main songwriter, best known for his psychedelic rock style. One of Warner Records’ biggest hits was “Truckin’,” which made its first appearance on Dead’s album, American Beauty. He was known for his improvisation and guitar solos, which suited him well because, he said in an interview, it relieved stress.
Jerry Garcia
Paul Simon – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Paul Simon wrote nearly all songs, including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Sound of Silence,” and perhaps their most popular hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Columbia Records owned. The duo broke up in 1970, and Simon published Graceland, influenced by South Africa, where he lived for a while. On his release, Graceland sold 14 million copies, and it’s his most successful solo work to date. He had a Broadway career, writing musicals. He wrote The Capeman with poet Derek Walcott. He was a screenwriter.
Paul Simon
James Taylor – $60 million
Greatest Hits: Paint It Black, Night Owl
Singer-songwriter James Taylor received five Grammys and was inducted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He’s one of the best—selling all-time artists to 100 million albums sold worldwide. He had his breakthrough with “Fire and Rain” album, followed by Carole King’s cover of You’ve Got a Friend.” He also covered several popular songs including How Sweet It Is,” “Handy Man” and “Sweet Baby James.” His first number-one U.S. album wasn’t released until later with Before This World release in 2015.
James Taylor
Carole King – $70 million
Greatest Hits: It’s Too Late, Nightingale, Jazzman
From 1950-2000, Carole King was one of the most popular and lucrative female songwriters ever. She’s written or co-wrote 118 hits on Billboard Hot 100. And that’s America alone. She wrote sixty-one hits that reached the UK charts, making her the most popular female songwriter there too. She debuted several albums, including Writer and Tapestry, the latter her breakthrough. Tapestry remained in the charts for nearly four months in America and stayed on the charts six years later. She got Hollywood Star in 2012.
Carole King
Stevie Wonder – $110 million
Greatest Hits: Superstition
Stevland or Stevie Wonder is one of the most popular artists ever. Besides his singing and writing prowess, he also played harmonica, drums, keyboards, harpejji, and many other instruments. He sold over a hundred million records and won twenty-five Grammys and an Oscar (among many other accolades). He was also inducted into Fame’s Rock & Roll Hall as well as the Songwriters Hall. Wonder had several big hits on Billboard Hot 100. He signed an 11-year-old Motown label with Tamia. He was and is) considered a prodigy.
Stevie Wonder
Billy Joel – $180 million
Greatest Hits: Piano Man, Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Singer and composer Billy Joel is dubbed “Piano Man” because of the success of his first song. He’s been a solo artist in the industry since the 1970s. He’s sold more than 150 million records worldwide, and his Greatest Hits collection remains one of America’s best-selling albums ever. Born in The Bronx, he dropped off high school for music. He captured Columbia Records in 1972 and signed a contract. He’s won five Grammys of 23 nominations.
Billy Joel
Burt Bacharach – $160 million
Greatest Hits: Arthur’s Theme, Close to You
Songwriter Burt Bacharach is one of the most influential composers of the twentieth century. He was born in Missouri in 1928 and started composing in the 1980s. He partnered with writer Hal David to create songs recorded by over 1,000 singers. He’s known for his work with singer Dionne Warwick, as well as his progression of chords and jazz harmony. He also collaborated with smaller orchestras, assigning unique instruments to their members. His styles are contemporary, easy-to-hear, and pop. He also plays the piano and sings.
Burt Bacharach
Randy Newman – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Just One Smile, I’ve Been Wrong Before
Randy Newman is known for his prolific songwriting and arranging, as well as his distinctive voice and film scores. He worked mainly as a film composer, earning twenty Oscar awards, and winning twice. He’s one of the most-nominated Oscars. He was inducted into Fame’s Songwriters Hall in 2007. He composed both animated and live-action music for films including Cold Turkey, Meet the Parents, Seabiscuit, and nine different Pixar films like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Cars. He’s signed to Warner Bros.
Randy Newman
Dolly Parton – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5
Besides being a popular singer, Dolly Parton has written over 3,000 songs. She wrote Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You,” and almost every popular artist covered that song. Interviewed about her songwriting, she said she started writing when she was just seven years old. She said she’s trying to write something every day,” whether it’s a poem, concept, album, or little tidbit. She was influenced by her folksy childhood with a deep religious tradition in the Appalachian Mountains. She won 35 BMI Awards.
Dolly Parton
Tom Petty – $95 million
Greatest Hits: Here Comes My Girl, Refugee, Don’t Do Me Like That
Musician Tom Petty was one of the best-selling artists ever. He became interested in rock and roll when he met ten-year-old Elvis Presley. He was also influenced by The Rolling Stones, his own version of punk rock. He formed the unsuccessful Mudcrutch band. Yet Tom Petty’s formation and the Heartbreakers turned out to be a game-changer. In the 1970s, Petty formed the band, and their second album reached the Top40. Their third album was even more successful, selling two million copies and slewing singles.
Tom Petty
Loretta Lynn – $65 million
Greatest Hits: You Ain’t Woman Enough, Coal Miner’s Daughter
Loretta Lynn was born in Kentucky and is one of the most popular and influential country stars in country music history. She is known for hits like “You Ain’t Woman Enough Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin,” “Fist City,” “One’s on the Way” etc. Her biographical film, Coal Miner’s Daughter, was named after her biggest hits. She’s sold over forty-five million records. She had two dozen albums—one single and eleven numbers. She’s still touring this day, at 87. She also appears at Grand Ole Opry.
Loretta Lynn
Lou Reed – $15 million
Greatest Hits: Think It Over, Heavenly Arms
Lou Reed was The Velvet Underground’s lead singer and songwriter, and he had a prosperous solo career that lasted over fifty years. During its time together the Velvet Underground was not commercially successful but is now considered one of its time’s most influential underground alt-rock bands. Reed left Velvet Underground in 1970, releasing twenty solo records. His second and third albums did well, but he had several ups and downs. His later records, New Sensations, and New York got him alive.
Lou Reed
Kris Kristofferson – $160 million
Greatest Hits: Me and Bobby McGee, Sundy Mornin’ Comin’ Down
Speaking of Kris Kristofferson, he’s a singer-songwriter who has had a good performing career. He was a writer for other singers and frequently combined his tracks with popular author Shel Silverstein. He was known for his outlaw country collaborations and the group The Highwaymen, including him, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. He starred in movies like Heaven’s Gate, Blade, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and A Star is Born. He won a Golden Globe for A Star’s Born success. He now lives in Maui, Hawaii.
Kris Kristofferson
Paul McCartney – $1.2 billion
Greatest Hits: Yesterday
Paul McCartney is the only name here that can surpass John Lennon in terms of fame, and it makes sense that he was also a Beatles co-founder. He had songs covered by over 2,200 artists, particularly for the song Yesterday.” He was inducted twice into Fame’s Rock & Roll Hall, once for his Beatles career and once for his solo career. He received eighteen Grammys, and in 1965 he and his fellow Beatles members were named MOB. He was also knighted in 1997 for music services. It goes without saying that today, these achievements made McCartney a billionaire.
Paul McCartney
Van Morrison – $90 million
Greatest Hits: Gloria, Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison is a music legend who began his professional career as a teenager. He played in Ireland for various showbands and became popular as part of the band Them, a Northern Irish R&B group. He was the lead singer, recording the song “Gloria” with Them which would define the genre. He released the popular late 1960s single “Brown-Eyed Girl.” His first album was Astral Weeks, but sales were initially slow. But his second album, Moondance, was a sensation. Van Morrison also tours this day, making music.
Van Morrison
Taylor Swift – $360 million
Greatest Hits: Shake It Off, I Knew You Were Trouble
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, born in Pennsylvania, is one of the world’s most popular singers today. When she was fourteen, she began in the country genre, moving to Nashville to fulfill her dream. She signed with Big Machine and was the youngest artist ever signed with Sony. She released her first album in 2006, and it was the 2000s longest chart record. She set several sales records, partially because of her young age. She’s moved to more of a pop-rock genre, still writing her own songs.
Taylor Swift
Bob Dylan – $200 million
Greatest Hits: The Times, They Are A’Changin’, Blowin In The Wind
Folk singer Bob Dylan is one of the most pop-culture (and counterculture) musicians. He penned The Times They Are A’Changin'” and “Blowin’ In the Wind” Civil Rights anthems, releasing his eponymous album in the early 1960s, followed by hit record after hit. He released many albums and singles politically. He was also one of the first to use electrically amplified instruments in his rock music, a move then controversial. He sold over 100 million albums and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Nobel Prize in 2012 and 2016, respectively.
Bob Dylan
Brian Wilson – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Good Vibrations, I Get Around, God Only Knows, Barbara Ann
Brian Wilson co-founded Beach Boys. Signed to Capitol in 1962, he wrote over twenty-four top 40 hits for the band. He’s considered one of the most creative songwriters of the twentieth century, some saying he’s a genius. He founded Beach Boys with his brothers and cousin. Wilson still tours occasionally and is still considered indie pop and punk rock godfather. His melodies and orchestrations proved hard to initiate, though artists (including the Beatles) gained a lot from their influence.
Brian Wilson
John Fogerty – $70 million
Greatest Hits: Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son
John Fogerty had both a good solo career and a brilliant career as a member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, a band he formed along with his brother, Tom, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook. He was the lead guitarist, composer, and composed most songs. The band sadly broke up in 1972, and he embarked on a great solo career. Rolling Stone placed him among the 100 Best Guitarists and Greatest Singers of all time as #40 and #72 (respectively). He has penned many hits, including “Proud Mary,” which Tina Turner puts back into an iconic bop song.
John Fogerty
Willie Nelson – $25 million
Greatest Hits: Family Bible, On the Road Again
Songwriter, singer, and actor Willie Nelson, born in Texas, got his big break when he published Shotgun Willie. That, plus his albums Red Headed Stranger and Stardust, made him an iconic 1970s figure. He has also starred in thirty films, written numerous books, and worked as an activist for the legalization of marijuana and the use of biofuels. He’s also known for releasing The IRS Tapes, a double-album whose proceeds went to the IRS to pay off his unpaid tax debt.
Willie Nelson
Elton John – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock
Rock legend Elton John sold over three hundred million albums to date and had fifty-eight Billboard singles in the top 40. His song, “Candle in the Wind,” which he wrote to honor Princess Diana after her tragic death, remains the best-selling single in the history of the United Kingdom and the United States. He has won five Grammys and several other accolades, putting him behind only The Beatles and Madonna in critical success. He’s also a notable LGBTQ activist, raising over $300 million for LGBTQ.
Elton John
David Bowie – $100 million
Greatest Hits: Changes, Space Oddity, Modern Love
David Bowie has sold over 140 million albums worldwide, earning ten Platinum certifications for his many hit songs. He was known for visual presentation and clear style reinvention. His alter ego is Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous, daring pop legend. Bowie, born in South London, began studying art and music when he was very young. He started his music career in 1983, releasing Space Oddity. He married supermodel Iman before his sudden death at sixty-two. He remains an iconic art rock and glam rock.
David Bowie
Glenn Frey – $200 million
Greatest Hits: Tequila Sunrise, Lyin’ Eyes, James Dean
Glenn Frey was The Eagles’ lead singer (and their guitarist as well). He wrote several of the best-known singles, including “Tequila Sunrise,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It Easy,” “New Kid in Town,” and more. Since the Eagles broke up in 1980, he went solo afterward. His debut was No Fun Aloud. He had many hits reaching the top 40s, including “Blues Smuggler,” “The Heat Is On,” “Sexy Girl” and more. He died at 67 in New York City.
Glenn Frey
John Prine – $6 million
Greatest Hits: Sam Stone, Illegal Smile, Dear Abby
John Prine is a songwriter and musician with successful careers since the 1970s. He learned to play guitar at age fourteen, attending lessons in Chicago at Folk’s Old Town School. After eighteen, he took a break from music and served as part of the Army in West Germany. He moved back to Chicago, where he worked as a man until being noticed by singer Kris Kristofferson, who helped him release his first album with Atlantic. He’s known for satirical songs about current affairs and overall life.
John Prine
Bono – $700 million
Greatest Hits: Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Born in Dublin, Bono is one of the most popular musicians. He’s U2’s boss, and he writes nearly all U2’s songs. He won the band 22 Grammys. He talked long about his songwriting style. In his songs, he uses social and political themes, and his songs are often influenced by his upbringing at a religious school. He had a defiant sound in his songs earlier, but as he said, he “matured” and started writing about more personal experiences he and U2 members shared together. Singer Ali Stewart’s married.
Bono
George Harrison – $400 million
Greatest Hits: Taxman, Here Comes the Sun
George Harrison was the lead guitarist of The Beatles, and he was nicknamed “the Quiet Beatle” because he was not one of their more famous members (as opposed to McCartney or Lennon). (as opposed to McCartney or Lennon). He wrote some of the band’s songs, including Here Comes the Sun,” “Taxman,” “Something,” etc. His musical influences are George Formby, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Django Reinhardt. He was also inspired by Indian culture and music, extending pop music to incorporate Indian instruments and Hindu spirituality in the band’s work. Born in Liverpool, he died in LA in 2001.
George Harrison
Sam Cooke – $650,000
Greatest Hits: Wonderful World, Chain Gang, A Change is Gonna Come
Sam Cooke was a resident, musician, and business owner. He was also an influential songwriter. His pop music power and the popular voice called him the “King of Soul.” He began singing when he was young, joining The Soul Stirrers until his later solo career. He supported Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack, Billy Preston, Marvin Gaye, and many more. He popularized James Brown and Otis Redding. AllMusic author Bruce Eder called him soul genre “inventor.” Born in Mississippi.
Sam Cooke
Bert Berns – $20 million
Greatest Hits: Hang on Sloopy, Twist and Shout, Here Comes the Night
Born in the Bronx, Bert Berns (also by Bert Russell and Russell Byrd) were a very influential producer and songwriter in the 1960s. His credits include popular pieces like “Twist and South,” “Hang on Sloopy” and more. He produced popular songs such as “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Under the Boardwalk” and “Baby Please Don’t Go,” signed for Atlantic, Bang, and Shout. When he was young, he used to dance in mambo nightclubs, living in Havana before the Cuban Revolution brought him back to America. He died of 38-year-old heart complications.
Bert Berns
Marvin Gaye – $5 million
Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is, Ain’t That Peculiar, I Heard it Through the Grapevine
Nicknamed “Prince of Soul” and “Prince of Motown,” Marvin Gaye helped form the 1960s Motown sound. He was the first in-house session player before becoming a solo artist. Besides Stevie Wonder, he was one of the first Motown musicians to break away from the record industry and make his own music independently. He was a major influence on quiet storm music and the neo-soul genre. He won a Grammy for Midnight Love. His last TV appearance at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game sang the anthem. He was on Soul Train, too.
Marvin Gaye
Chrissie Hynde – $12 million
Greatest Hits: Talk of the Town, Back on the Chain Gang
Chrissie Hynde created The Pretenders, her frontwoman since 1978. The hippie counterculture movement influenced her, working in London with designer Vivienne Westwood at a jointly owned clothing shop. She left fashion for music. She released songs with musicians including UB40, Cher and Frank Sinatra. After making a demo tape in 1978, she gave it to Real Records owner Dave Hill. She began to pay the back rent she owed in her London practice room, making it all back and more.
Chrissie Hynde
Lucinda Williams – $15 million
Greatest Hits: Can’t Let Go, Get Right With God
Born in Louisiana, Rock – country singer Lucinda Williams is one of the most prominent representatives of folk-rock and country-rock movements. She has been in the music industry since 1978 and became famous for her style when she released her debut album, Lucinda Williams. This debut included the song “Passionate Kisses,” which won Williams her first Grammy in 1994. She’s known for working steadily, releasing only two more albums to date. Her big break came when she lost Car Wheels on a gold-certified Gravel Path.
Lucinda Williams
Harry Nilsson – $7 million
Greatest Hits: Without You, Coconut
Harry Nilsson made history as one of his age’s few successful rock artists, never playing a big concert or touring, but nevertheless enjoying considerable commercial success. He’s an artist known for his Great American Songbook style, mixed with Caribbean sounds. He had a three-and-a-half-octave range as a tenor. He had a lasting influence on Indie rock. He wrote band songs like The Monkees. His most commercially successful album, Nilsson Schmilsson. He was also a drinking club member of Hollywood Vampires and John Lennon’s best friend.
Harry Nilsson
Curtis Mayfield – $10 million
Greatest Hits: People Get Ready
Curtis Mayfield was a member of the 1950s and 1960s big band The Impressions, known for its civil rights activism and songs. Born in Chicago, he started singing as part of a gospel choir. When he met fellow artist Jerry Butler, he joined the Impressions. He wrote songs that became part of the civil rights movement because of their social consciousness. His album, “People Get Ready,” was listed as #24 on Rolling Stone’s Greatest All-Time Songs. He also directed Super Fly.
Curtis Mayfield
Max Martin – $260 million
Greatest Hits: Baby One More Time, It’s Gonna Be Me, I Want It That Way
Max Martin is one of our most contemporary authors. Born in Sweden, after composing a hit string for Britney Spears (“…Baby One More Time”), The Backstreet Boys (“I Want It That Way”), and NYSNC (“It’s Gonna Be Me”). He wrote twenty-two number-one songs on the Billboard Charts. He’s also produced several of these hits. He also wrote for Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, and Weeknd. He’s behind Paul McCartney and George Martin in the number one singles he’s written.
Max Martin
Allen Toussaint – $3 million
Greatest Hits: Working in the Coal Mine, Yes We Can Can, Java
Born in Gert Town, Louisiana, Allen Toussaint was one of New Orleans’ most prominent rhythm-and-blues genre figures. He began his career in the 1950s and was described as a “backroom figure” for his writing and composition. He wrote songs such as “Fortune Teller,” “Working in the Coal Mine,” “Java,” “Mother – in – Law” and more. He also produced some big hits, including “Lady Marmalade” and “Right Place, Wrong Time.” He learned to play the piano as an elderly neighbor’s boy. His father also played the trumpet and worked on the railway.
Allen Toussaint
Chuck Berry – $10 million
Greatest Hits: Ida Red, You Can Never Tell, Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry was dubbed “Father of Rock ‘N Roll.” He refined and re-adapted rhythm and blues to form rock and roll, and created a style of guitar solos and showy performances that became the basis of the genre. Born in St. Louis, he was involved in music at an early age. He began playing with the band The Johnnie Johnson Trio, but when he met singer Muddy Waters, he had his break. Muddy got him hooked with Chess Records and his first hit was Ida Red, selling over a million records.
Chuck Berry
Pete Townshend – $105 million
Greatest Hits: Happy Jack, Pictures of Lilly
Pete Townshend is one of the most common names. The legendary band’s co-founder, The Who. His band career lasted more than fifty years, and the band under his leadership became one of the most prominent voices of music for the second half of the twentieth century. He composed more than one hundred songs for The Who’s eleven albums, including songs for Tommy and Quadrophenia, two rock operas. He also wrote essays, books, columns, etc. He began a promising solo career. Doesn’t hurt he’s a legendary guitarist.
Pete Townshend
George Clinton – $1.8 million
Greatest Hits: Can’t C Me, Loopzilla, You’re Thinkin’ Right
Former Motown songwriter, George Clinton – known for writing and recording many hit songs for indie Detroit soul labels. He formed his own band, The Parliaments, later renamed Parliament and Funkadelic. Clinton is known in the years after for his distinctive psychedelic rock and electro-funk style. He inspired rap music, writing Tupac’s song “Can’t C Me.” He also wrote, “Bop Gun” for artists including Ice Cube, Outkast, Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, and more. His own name, C Kunspyruhzy.
George Clinton
Isaac Hayes – $12 million
Greatest Hits: Soul Man
Isaac Hayes was the key force behind Stax Records. Before becoming a singer-songwriter, he was an in-house session musician for the label. Born in Tennessee, he wrote the song “Soul Man,” regarded as one of the most influential soul songs. He also wrote famous movie songs. He composed Shaft’s film score, earning an Oscar for his score. He was the third African-American man to win the “competitive” Oscar. In 2003, he was named BMI Icon, winning ten awards.
Isaac Hayes
Joe Strummer – $4 million
Greatest Hits: Rock the Casbah
Joe Strummer is one of the most influential figures in punk rock. He founded The Clash band, which was inducted into Fame’s Rock and Roll Hall in 2003. The band’s second album on the UK charts was #2 and their third and fourth albums were successful in the US, becoming certified platinum. Strummer also collaborated with bands such as The Mescaleros, Pgues, Latino Rockabilly, 101ers, and more. He also had a solo career, wrote TV and film scores, made radio plays, and became a major performer for Rock Against Racism, an activist organization.
Joe Strummer
Patti Smith – $16 million
Greatest Hits: Because the Night
Patti Smith is a songwriter, poet, and singer, and she was an influential component of New York City’s punk rock movement in the 1970s thanks to her groundbreaking debut album, Horses. She’s known as the punk poet laureate, combining poetry and punk rock together. She wrote the song “Because the Night” with Bruce Springsteen, and maybe it’s her most famous hit. She is also a novelist, receiving her memoir’s National Book Award, entitled Only Kids, won in 2010. She is also Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Artists.”
Patti Smith
Madonna – $590 million
Greatest Hits: Like a Virgin, Like a Prayer, Vogue, Hung Up
Madonna is known as the Queen of Pop,” and in her acting, songwriting, and singing she is known for breaking limits, sometimes creating controversy in her images and lyrics. She has been in music since 1979. She moved to New York City to pursue a dance career before turning to music and working as a guitarist for Breakfast Club. She signed a record contract with Sire Records in 1982. Her songs include “Like a Virgin,” “Ray of Light,” “Confessions on a Dance Floor” and more, award-winning. Other artists also reference her as an influence.
Madonna
Fats Domino – $8 million
Greatest Hits: Ain’t That a Shame, Jambalaya, Lady Madonna
New Orleans rock-and-roll pioneer Fats Domino was one of the genre’s most influential musicians. He also inspired R&B. He sold over sixty-five million records and had eleven top ten hits between 1955 and 1960. He was considered to be modest and camera-shy, so his rock influence is often ignored. He had thirty-five albums hit the top 40 billboard charts. Many of these records are platinum or gold-certified. He released the album “The Fat Man” in 1949, the first rock and roll record to sell a million copies.
Fats Domino
Kurt Cobain – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Sappy
Kurt Cobain was Nirvana’s frontman, considered one of Generation X’s most influential bands. He’s also the band’s lead guitarist. Born in Washington, he founded the band in 1987 with Aaron Burckhard and Krist Novoselic. It was part of Seattle’s grunge scene. Nirvana signed with DGC and flourished, mostly through his second album, which had the single “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Cobain resented media coverage, claiming the mainstream misconstrued and oversimplified his message. He married rocker, Courtney Love.
Kurt Cobain
Walter Becker – $20 million
Greatest Hits: Bad Sneakers, Do It Again
Walter Becker was Steely Dan’s co-songwriter and founder. He also played jazz/rock band guitar and bass. He met his co-founder, Donald Fagen when both were Bard College students. They decided to start Steely Dan and moved to LA. After a successful commercial run, Becker also moved to Hawaii after the breakup and became a record producer and part of the band China Crisis, an English band. Fagen reformed Steely Dan in 1993.
Walter Becker
Tom Waits – $25 million
Greatest Hits: Closing Time, Somewhere
Tom Waits is a California-born singer-songwriter and actor. He’s known for his distinctive, gravely sound, and punk lyrics. In the 1970s, he specialized in jazz, but he also had influences from blues and vaudeville. His inspirations include Beat Generation and Bob Dylan. He began singing in San Diego and moved to LA to sign an Asylum deal. His first albums included Closing Time, Saturday Night’s Heart, and Small Change, which marked his first commercially successful album. Waits wrote the Heart score for Francis Ford Coppola’s One.
Tom Waits
Dan Penn – $1 million
Greatest Hits: Cry Like a Baby, The Dark End of the Street
Dan Penn is a songwriter who wrote and recorded several hits in the 1960s, including The Dark End of the Street,” “Cry Like a Baby” and Do Right Woman.” He collaborated with artists including The Box Tops, Chips Moman, Spooner Oldham. He preferred songwriting to showmanship, as he was camera-shy. His writing relationship with Chips Moman for Press Publishing Company was successful, although the pair had a fall-out that ended the partnership, which was described as “short-lived” but “intense.” His collaboration with Aretha Franklin is one of his most successful to date.
Dan Penn
Stevie Nicks – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Landslide
Stevie Nicks is Fleetwood Mac’s lead singer, and she’s known for her poetic lyrics. Born in Arizona, she joined her boyfriend, Lindsey Buckingham, in 1975. The band’s second most successful album was the year’s best-seller. To date, it has sold over forty million copies alone. Nicks, both as a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac, has sold over 140 million albums and had over forty top 50 hits on the charts. Her latest album, 24 Karat Gold, released in 2014.
Stevie Nicks
Mick Jagger – $360 million
Greatest Hits: Midnight Rambler, Honky Tonk Women
Over 50 years of his career, Mick Jagger is one of the most influential people in rock and roll history. He’s known for his lively and distinctive voice. He’s a Rolling Stones founding member. He and Keith Richards both became two of the most famous legends of rock. He grew up in England and studied at the London School of Economics before leaving for music. He’s composed most of the tracks, either solo or with Keith Richards. He was known in his heyday for his outrageous headlines.
Mick Jagger
Willie Dixon – $2 million
Greatest Hits: Hoochie Coochie Man, My Babe
Due to their dual influence on Chicago blues (post-WWII), the music they shaped, Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters are often put in the same word. Mississippi-born Dixon. He played bass and guitar with a distinctive voice. He was one of the most prolific songwriters of the second half of the twentieth century. His popular songs include “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “My Babe,” “Spoonful” and more. Prominent artists like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Willie Nelson, and others covered his works. He got a Grammy and Rock and Roll HOF induction.
Willie Dixon
Morrissey – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Shoplifters of the World Unite, Sheila Take a Bow
Born to work-class Irish immigrants in England, Steven Morrissey, who went by his stage name Morrissey, started to enjoy music as a child. He was band frontman The Nosebleeds, which had no commercial success. He had more success with The Smiths, a band he founded with Johnny Marr, and more with his solo career. He released solo projects such as Viva Hate, Your Arsenal, Kill Uncle, and more, transforming his image from an androgynous singer into one of working-class masculinity. He’s a popular figure in Britpop and indie rock.
Morrissey
Smokey Robinson – $100 million
Greatest Hits: Tracks of My Tears, Going to a Go-Go
Smokey Robinson formed and was the frontman for The Miracles band, and was their chief producer and songwriter. From 1955 to 1972, when he retired, he headed the party. After retiring from the band, he returned as a solo musician. He left Motown Records in 1990 and composed a lot of music for example, other Motown members. Pleasant fact: his uncle’s nickname, to whom he was similar. His uncle called him “Smokey Joe” as a “cowboy name,” and Smokey stuck his entire life.
Smokey Robinson
Kenny Gamble – $8.5 million
Greatest Hits: I’m Gonna Make You Love Me
Kenny Gamble was born in Philly and was credited with Philly soul genre growth. He recorded himself as a child on arcade recording machines, and his music love grew. He founded the band Gamble & Huff and was managed by Jerry Ross, with whom he had a long relationship. He is known for his hit “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” and “Expressway to Your Heart,” which the Soul Survivors band covered for commercial success in 1967.
Kenny Gamble
Jimmy Webb – $10 million
Greatest Hits: Wichita Lineman, MacArthur Park
Born in Oklahoma, Songwriter Jimmy Webb was inducted into the 1986 Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He’s had platinum hits like “Wichita Lineman,” “All I Know,” “MacArthur Park,” and more. He has worked with big names like Linda Ronstadt and Art Garfunkel. Webb addressed his songwriting career and the kind of music he aspired to, saying it was a kind of “crushed lonely hearts.” In 2017, he published his memoirs, The Cake and the Storm, to critical acclaim.
Jimmy Webb
Merle Haggard – $40 million
Greatest Hits: Okie from Muskogee, The Fightin’ Side of Me
Merle Haggard is considered one of the country genre’s founding fathers, as well as Bakersfield sound. Born during the Great Depression in California, he finally embarked on a country music career after his father died. His songs became popular and he was able to turn his life around with songs about the working class, American patriotism, Vietnam War, and more. He had thirty-eight numbers—one hits on the country charts, and others even crossed the charts of Billboard.
Merle Haggard
Buddy Holly – $1 million
Greatest Hits: That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue
Buddy Holly was an influential singer-songwriter born during the Great Depression in Texas, becoming a central figure in American rock’n roll emerging in the 1950s. He was also inspired by other genres, including gospel, R&B, and western, and he began playing in high school. After opening a show for the late great Elvis Presley, he decided to take music seriously. He joined a band of Waylon Jennings, Tommy Allsup, and Carl Bunch and hit the road. He’s called the twin guitars, drums, and bass lineup pioneer favored by many bands today.
Buddy Holly
The Bee Gees – $86 million
Greatest Hits: Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love
It consisted of three brothers: Maurice, Robin, and Barry Gibb. Most effective during the sixties and seventies, they became popular among the disco crowd later in the seventies. Their signature sound changed regularly, with numerous brothers taking the lead at the mic. They were born on Man’s Isle and grew up in Manchester. They first started The Rattlesnakes before changing their name. In 1967, they joined producer Robert Stigwood, and he promoted them worldwide. Throughout their career they sold over 220 million records, making history.
The Bee Gees
Ray Davies – $12 million
Greatest Hits: You Really Got Me, Something Better Beginning
English songwriter and guitarist Ray Davies is the lead singer-songwriter for The Kinks band, including his brother Dave Davies. He’s considered Britpop’s genre godfather. Davies became popular for a solo career after the Kinks disbanded the late 1990s. In 1964, the Kinks got their recording contract, bringing them decades together. Davies wrote the popular hit, “You Really Got Me,” their breakthrough. Davies led the band through the sixties and seventies, frequently adding new sounds to the band, making it more commercially viable. They also covered popular Long Tall Sally” songs.
Ray Davies
Paul Westerberg – $9 million
Greatest Hits: Backlash, Dyslexic Heart
Alt-rock star Paul Westerberg was part of the alt-rock band The Replacements in the eighties. After the band dissolved, a solo career began. He joined The Replacements while serving as a janitor. He heard the band performing, followed the music, and spoke his way into joining the band. He managed to get into the band by telling the lead singer that his fellow members would fire him, pushing the singer to leave. This very unorthodox move succeeded, and The Replacements were wildly successful.
Paul Westerberg
Robert Johnson – $500,000 (estate)
Greatest Hits: Terraplane Blues, Come On In My Kitchen
Established in 1911, Robert Johnson is considered a blues leader and Delta blues master. His life wasn’t well-documented, but his music lives on and legends surround his legacy. He only participated in a few recording sessions, making 29 songs that did not become popular during his lifetime. The songs were released as singles by producer Don Law after Johnson’s death. Other musicians borrowed his guitar style and lyrics and he became famous for their fame. Musicians including Keith Richards and Bob Dylan honored Johnson.
Robert Johnson
Eminem – $210 million
Greatest Hits: The Real Slim Shady, Superman, Not Afraid
Eminem is the most famous rapper ever. He is also a songwriter, composing all his own music and helping launch his label, Shady Records, which houses artists like Yelawolf, 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and more. Eminem (born Marshall Mathers) sold over 230 million albums, winning 15 Grammys, 8 AMAs, 17 BMAs, an Oscar, and more. Nine of his albums charted 200 charts top of the Billboard, making him the only artist ever to achieve that feat. Born in Detroit, Michigan, where he remains.
Eminem
John Lennon – $800 million
Greatest Hits: Working Class Hero, Imagine
Very few musicians are like John Lennon. Born in Liverpool, the British singer-songwriter was the co-founder of The Beatles. He actually formed his first band as a teenager, called Quarrymen. He wrote (and co-wrote) many of the biggest hits of The Beatles and also had successful hits with his solo career such as “Imagine,” “War is Over and “Working Class Hero.” He was married to singer Yoko Ono, with whom he formed Plastic Ono. Lennon was known for his acerbic social criticism and wit, penning extra songwriting sketches and poems.
John Lennon
R.E.M. – $75 million
Greatest Hits: The One I Love
R.E.M. was one of America’s first rock-bands. It was created by Bill Berry, Mike Mills, Peter Buck, and Michael Stipe. It was noted for its arpeggiated guitar solos, revolutionary on the pop-punk scene. His first release on an independent label, Hib – Tone. Early popularity came from their single Radio Free Europe.” They released their first EP, Chronic Town, followed by a full-length album, Murmur, a little later. Commercially popular and critically acclaimed Murmur. They had their first mainstream number, one record with “The One I Love” in 1987.
R.E.M.
Jeff Barry – $1 million
Greatest Hits: Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Be My Baby
Jeff Barry, born in Brooklyn in 1938, was highly influential in the pop-rock genre. Singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was best known for his collaboration with professional and personal Ellie Greenwich, and the two would become the most prolific producing and songwriting team of the sixties. Barry wrote many popular songs, including “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” “Chapel of Love” and “River Deep – Mountain High.” He also wrote, “Pack Leader” and “Sugar Sugar” with writers Andy Kim and Shadow Morton, two colleagues.
Jeff Barry
Kanye West – $250 million
Greatest Hits: Monster, Graduation, Through the Wire, Slow Jamz
Rapper, songwriter and producer Kanye West is one of today’s most popular rappers. He has sold over 140 million albums, and his career has also been marked by big style shifts, combining diverse styles such as baroque pop, soul, indie-pop, gospel, and more. West is also known for his close friendship with rapper Jay-Z. Born in Chicago, West began raping in 1996. He was first a writer and producer for Roc-A-Fella Records before stepping himself in front of the mic. He married businesswoman and personality Kim Kardashian in 2014.
Kanye West
Prince – $300 million
Greatest Hits: Kiss, When Doves Cry, Nothing Compares 2 U
Singer-songwriter Prince’s career lasted over four decades. He was known for his diverse and flamboyant stage performances and songs, which spanned a bunch of genres and incorporated a well-known, high-falsetto voice. He inspired disco, R&B, punk, psychedelic rock, pop, and soul genres. He recorded his first song at the age of seven and signed to Warner Bros when he was seventeen. His albums went platinum, making him a reckoning force. He had a film debut, Purple Rain, which increased his fame. His band called The Revolt.
Prince
Billie Joe Armstrong – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Boulevard of Broken Dreams, American Idiot, Holiday.
The creator and lead singer of the famous pop-punk band, Green Day is none-other than Billie Joe Armstrong. In 1994, he wrote the songs featured on the band’s breakthrough LP, Dookie. The LP went on to sell millions. Over the years, he’s amassed one of the most impressive song-books in the last 20 years. With American Idiot gaining The Who levels of success, Green Day has been on the map every since.
Billie Joe Armstrong $75 Million
Freddie Mercury – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions, Killer Queen.
Frontman and the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band, Queen, Freddie Mercury is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music. During his successful career, Freddie was famous for his flamboyant stage persona as well as his four-octave vocal range. He wrote many of Queen’s biggest hits, including “Killer Queen”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Somebody to Love”, “We Are the Champions”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. After his death, Freddie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003, and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004 as a member of Queen.
Freddie Mercury $50 Million
FINNEAS – $20 million
Greatest Hits: Let’s Fall In Love For The Night, Break My Heart Again, I Lost A Friend.
Finneas is a singer-songwriter whose biggest hits are actually his younger sister’s: Billie Eilish. In addition to co-writing many of her successful hits such as “Bad Guy”, he’s a singer-songwriter in his own right and has plenty of hits himself. His own hits include songs like “Let’s Fall In Love For The Night”, “Break My Heart Again”, and “I Lost A Friend”. He writes and produces songs for other famous artists as well and has won five Grammy Awards so far.
FINNEAS $20 Million
Sean Combs AKA P. Diddy – $855 million
Greatest Hits: Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down, Bad Boy Life, I Need A Girl.
You probably know him as P. Diddy, but Sean Combs has become a giant in the music industry throughout his career. A rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, he made his breakthrough with his debut album, “No Way Out”. The album went seven times platinum which is a rarity for debut albums. Naturally, more successful albums followed the first. Funnily enough, he’s become famous for changing his name so many times over.
Sean Combs AKA P. Diddy $855 Million
Michael Jackson – $825 million
Greatest Hits: Beat It, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal.
Michael Jackson is one of the most significant singers of the 20th century, that’s for sure. He first made his claim to fame as part of the Jackson 5 along with his brothers, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. Following their success, he started a solo career in 1971. We all know how that turned out, of course. He released timeless hits like “Bad” and “Thriller” that are still fan-favorites to this day. Additionally, he became the third best-selling artist of all time.
Michael Jackson $825 Million
Jay-Z – $1 billion
Greatest Hits: Crazy in Love, Déjà vu, Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem).
Even if you don’t happen to be a fan of hip-hop, you must have heard of Jay-Z at some point or another. He’s the first rapper to reach an impressive net worth of $1 billion. That didn’t happen overnight. He’s grown and was able to adapt to the needs of the hip-hop music industry for decades now. Aside from being a talented rapper, this clearly shows his business skills. He’s signed on musicians such as Rihanna who became huge sensations. Of course, he’s a songwriter as well and has written dozens of songs that went on to be massive hits.
Jay Z $1 Billion
Jon Bon Jovi – $410 million
Greatest Hits: Wanted Dead or Alive, Livin’ on a Prayer, It’s My Life.
As Jon Bon Jovi’s career progressed, his music kept up with him. As of now, he’s sold over 120 million albums worldwide, showing us just how he’s earned his millions. He’s proved that rock music has a huge fan base and is one of the highest paying genres in the industry. While he only has two solo albums, together with his famous band, Bon Jovi, he’s released 13 studio albums. What’s most incredible is his continued relevance throughout the decades. His band saw success in the mid-80s and to this day is one of the most popular rock bands around. In fact, Jon was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009.
Jon Bon Jovi $410 Million
Toby Keith – $365 million
Greatest Hits: How Do You Like Me Now?!, Should’ve Been A Cowboy, Upstairs Downtown.
An American country music star, Toby Keith has risen to fame back in the early 1990s and is now one of the highest-paid country songwriters in the world. Seeing as his current net worth is an impressive $365 million, it’s easy to see his success. He’s won several awards including the Academy of Country Music (ACM) award and a Grammy. With hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, Toby has made his way to the top of the country music industry.
Toby Keith $365 Million
Keith Richards – $340 million
Greatest Hits: Slipping Away, Thru and Thru, Take It So Hard.
A member of the Rolling Stones rock band, Keith Richards is another singer-songwriter with an impressive net worth. Currently, he stands at $340 million. It makes sense seeing as the Rolling Stones are the longest-performing rock band of all time. Aside from writing songs and being a backup vocalist, Keith plays the guitar for the band as well. With years and years of songwriting under his belt, we see why he’s made as much money as he has.
Keith Richards $340 Million
Tim Rice – $200 million
Greatest Hits: A Whole New World, I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, Can You Feel The Love Tonight.
You might not be aware of this fact, but Tim Rice is the writer of some of the biggest productions of all time. Some of these will be awfully familiar, we’re sure. One movie made by Disney named “The Lion King” had a soundtrack that mostly featured his songs. Not to mention, Tim is famous for writing songs for other famous Disney movies like “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast”. Oftentimes, these songs are still used in shows today.
Tim Rice $200 Million
Herb Alpert – $250 million
Greatest Hits: Tijuana Sauerkraut, Struttin’ With Maria, A Quiet Tear (Lágrima Quieta).
Herb has spent most of his life as part of the music industry. He has his own record label, a band, and he’s also written dozens of the most famous songs in the world. His band, Tijuana Brass, is one of the most famous bands. While the band might not be as famous as it was in the 1960s, that doesn’t change the fact that Herb has made his wealth through the music industry, mainly songwriting.
Herb Alpert – $250 Million
Sting – $395 million
Greatest Hits: Every Breath You Take, Desert Rose, Shape of My Heart.
Sting wasn’t always a solo artist. He started out his career with a band named The Police – you probably know them. He’s not famous solely for his singing abilities, either. Sting is also famous for his songwriting. He’s written many of his own songs during his solo career as well as his time with The Police. These days, he spends more time on his charitable work but he’s still famous for writing his hit songs throughout his career.
Sting $395 Million
Jimmy Buffett – $400 million
Greatest Hits: Cheeseburger in Paradise, He Went to Paris, Fins.
You probably know of Jimmy Buffett as everyone’s favorite beachy summertime singer. He’s famous for his sandals and shorts. He’s definitely earned his fortune. Being the writer of many of his own sings, he’s written songs such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Margaritaville”. When he performs them, you can’t help but feel good. Of course, Jimmy’s ability to write these songs is what makes him so famous and wealthy.
Jimmy Buffett – $400 Million
Mariah Carey – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Fantasy, Vision of Love, Love Takes Time.
Famous for her angelic voice, Mariah Carey has made plenty of music that has been popular over the years. With songs like “Hero” and “One Sweet Day”, it’s no wonder she’s made such a fortune. Yes, she wrote them herself. Mariah has more number-one singles than any other solo artists in the world – most of them are songs she wrote on her own. In fact, throughout her career, Mariah has sold over 200 million records worldwide.
Mariah Carey – $500 Million
Andrew Lloyd Webber – $1.2 billion
Greatest Hits: Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, Everything’s Alright.
There’s not a shred of doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is the most successful songwriter of all time. He’s famous for writing the music for some of the most famous musicals like “Phantom of the Opera”, “Cats”, and “Jesus Christ Superstar”. There are many more musicals he’s famous for, but the list is very long so we couldn’t include them all. Andrew also happens to be one of only 15(!) people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony — otherwise known as an EGOT winner.
Andrew Lloyd Webber – $1.2 Billion
Sia — $25 million
Greatest Hits: Chandelier, Diamonds, Titanium.
The Australian singer, songwriter, and record producer, Sia has written some very famous pop hits. She’s behind some songs that other artists have sung that you might not have known about. “Diamonds” being the most famous one. Sia has had a long career in music, however, it hasn’t always been commercially successful. All the same, she’s always put out new art consistently. She only made her big breakthrough in 2013 with her huge hit, “Chandelier.”
Sia — $25 Million
Beck — $25 million
Greatest Hits: Loser, Whiskeyclone, Hotel 1997, Where It’s At.
Beck is a songwriter who’s most famous for switching musical styles rather often – and doing it well. Throughout his music career, he’s written alternative, folk, pop, Americana, hip-hop songs, and more. He’s definitely one of the most creative musicians out there. His mainstream success came around in 1994 with his single, “Loser”. The song helped him reach global fame, having record labels start a bidding war over him.
Beck — $25 Million
John Mayer — $40 million
Greatest Hits: Why Georgia, Edge of Desire, Your Body is a Wonderland.
We’ve all heard this story before: a talented songwriter attends Berklee College of Music, drops out, and then becomes a multi-millionaire. John Mayer may have started out in humble beginnings, but he soon started seeing commercial success. It wasn’t long before songs like “Your Body is a Wonderland” and “Why Georgia” were getting played on the radio. John’s second album got positive reviews but didn’t do as well as his first. All the same, his net worth is said to be around $40 million.
John Mayer — $40 Million
Bill Withers — $40 million
Greatest Hits: Just the Two of Us, Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean On Me.
A legendary icon, Bill Withers was a singer-songwriter who inspired countless others. He wrote massive hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean On Me”. In fact, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 after his incredibly successful career. Throughout his life, the songwriter has won three Grammy awards. While it might be decades since they were first released, Bill’s songs are still played on the radio often.
Bill Withers — $40 Million
Justin Timberlake — $230 million
Greatest Hits: Cry Me a River, Rock Your Body, Mirrors.
Justin Timberlake became famous when he was part of the singing boy band NSYNC. However, he broke off from the group and started his successful career as a solo artist. In 2002, his debut solo album, “Justified” wowed fans with hits like “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body.” Since then, Justin has released five solo albums. On top of his music career, he’s been acting as well, making appearances in movies like “The Love Guru” and “The Social Network”.
Justin Timberlake — $230 Million