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