If you played close attention to the spat between Meek Mill and Drake, you would have realized that singers and songwriters are quite different in their professional worlds. That being said, many artists will work in different fields and crossover. These are the world’s most beloved and timeless musicians, singers, and songwriters that have kept the world dancing and singing for decades. This kind of stunning contribution from pop-culture’s favorite artists will make said musicians incredibly wealthy!
The True Earning Power Of Hollywoods Songwriters
Neil Diamond – $175 million
The top 10 billboards charts have often seen the face of Neil Diamond, with 38 songs having entered the hallowed charts. This historical artist has over 100 records to his name and is among America’s most celebrated artists. He was featured in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Diamond is also something of a casual comedian. An SNL sketch where Diamond was parodied by Will Ferrell was so enjoyed by Diamond that he appeared in a 2002 broadcast with the funnyman.
Neil Diamond
Johnny Cash – $60 million
Greatest Hits: Folsom Prison Blues, I Walk the Line
Few artists are as legendary as Johnny Cash, whose record sales number somewhere in the 90 million mark. The man was welcomed into the Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame of Rock & Roll and Country Music Hall of Fame. He would open his concerts by saying “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash”. He had an edgy and volatile personality and stage presence that made him incredibly infamous. Cash was personified in the 20th Century Fox film, Walk the Line.
Johnny Cash
Joni Mitchell – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Big Yellow Taxi, Woodstock
Joni Mitchell’s The Blue Album is widely regarded as being among the greatest ever recorded. The legendary artist plays piano, paints, and composes. She commonly blended jazz, folk, pop, and rock and began her career okaying shows in tiny bars and on the streets. Mitchell would also be a fierce protestor and activist and was a big part of the counterculture of the late 20th century. Her leading songs including Both Sides, Big Yellow Taxi, and Woodstock. Mitchell would occasionally rework her appearance and musical style.
Joni Mitchell
Jerry Garcia – $40 million
Greatest Hits: Sugaree, Truckin’
The San Francisco-born Jerry Garcia began his successes alongside his inspiring band. He was a virtuoso guitarist that featured in the “100 Greatest Guitarists” list written by Rolling Stones magazine, where he ranked 13th. The Grateful Dead would not be the band that they are recognized as today if it weren’t for Garcia’s wonderful songwriting of the acid music style. His solos were often improvised, which helped him to relax while he performed on stage.
Jerry Garcia
Paul Simon – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel revolutionized folk-pop music with their soulful tunes and heartwarming tracks like Mrs. Robinson and moodier ones such as Sound of Silence. Paul Simon wrote those songs while being signed with Columbia Records. Simon & Garfunkel would eventually go their separate ways in 1970. Simon would later record Graceland, a song that was inspired by his stay in South Africa. The emotional song would end up being his most successful with 14 million record sales. Simon would also dabble in Broadway musical writing and wrote The Capeman alongside Derek Walcott, the poet.
Paul Simon
James Taylor – $60 million
Greatest Hits: Night Owl, Paint It Black
James Taylor is the proud recipient of five Grammys and in 2000 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With over 100 million record sales, Taylor is objectively one of the best artists to ever have taken to the stage. His best songs include covers of hit tracks like Sweet Baby James, How Sweet It Is, and Handy Man. He might be getting on in life, but Taylor has not lost any of his charisma or stage presence.
James Taylor
Carole King – $70 million
Greatest Hits: Jazzman, Nightingale, It’s Too Late
When it comes to female songwriters, Carole King is up there with the most prominent artists in general with a career that has spanned half a century from 1950 to 2000. She co-wrote or wrote a Billboard Hot 100 portfolio of 118 tracks. That is just her American performance, and her 61 recorded songs proved her to be the most accomplished female songwriter as well. She did incredibly well in the UK charts. Her song Tapestry remained on the American charts for six years. Her Hollywood star was presented in 2012.
Carole King
Stevie Wonder – $110 million
You cannot talk about America’s best musical artists without mentioning Stevie Wonder. The man was phenomenally talented on the harpejji, percussion, harmonica, keyboards, and many other instruments, and that is before mentioning his songwriting skills and magical voice. With over 110 million album sales, Wonder’s 25 Grammy Awards were completely well deserved, as was his Academy Award. He is a member of the Hall of Songwriters and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He frequently appeared on the Billboard Hot 100.
Stevie Wonder
Billy Joel – $180 million
Greatest Hits: Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Piano Man
Billy Joel’s nickname, “Piano Man”, was well warranted, given that his first album was such a huge success. The solo artist commenced his career during the 1970s and would go on to sell over 150 million records across the world. His Greatest Hits album became one of the United States’ best-selling. The Bronx-born artist left high school early to enter the jazz world. It was during 1972 that he was approached by Columbia to sign his record deal. He possesses five Grammys.
Billy Joel
Burt Bacharach – $160 million
Greatest Hits: Close to You, Arthur’s Theme
The 20th century has produced an incredible number of artists, with Burt Bacharach being one of the most celebrated. The Missouri-born artist came into this world in 1928, but would only commence his musical career in the 1980s. He collaborated with countless artists, as well as Hal David, the writer. He also worked with Dionne Warwick in one of his more celebrated collaborations. Bacharach also enjoyed working with lesser-known orchestras, whose members he would present odd instruments to
Burt Bacharach
Randy Newman – $50 million
Greatest Hits: I’ve Been Wrong Before, Just One Smile
This artist is known for his rousing film scores and signature voice. He is one of the leading film soundtrack composers in Hollywood, having been nominated for twenty Academy Awards and won two for his efforts. Randy Newman was welcomed in 2007 into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. His films include Seabiscuit, Meet the Parents, Cold Turkey, and children’s films such as Aliens, Toy Story, and Cars. He has composed film scores for an incredible variety of films.
Randy Newman
Dolly Parton – $500 million
Greatest Hits: 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You
Dolly Parton has recorded countless albums and is one of the most beloved and successful artists in America and the world at large. While Whitney Houston’s cover of her song, I Will Always Love You is perhaps more iconic than Parton’s original, Parton has proved to be a timeless songwriter. She began writing music at the tender age of 7, as revealed in one of her most telling interviews. She loves to write everything from short poems to sweeping albums. She has always been incredibly religious, something that she gained from her inspiring Appalachian Mountains upbringing.
Dolly Parton
Tom Petty – $95 million
Greatest Hits: Don’t Do Me Like That, Refugee, Here Comes My Girl
Tom Petty is a talented guitarist and top-selling performer. She met Elvis Presley when he was ten years old and was involved in the rock ‘n roll world. His musical career really started picking up traction when he began his industrial rock covers of The Rolling Stones songs. Mudcrutch was a band that he put together with destructive results. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was a tremendous success, however. The 1970s proved to be a wonderful time for Petty and his band.
Tom Petty
Loretta Lynn – $65 million
Greatest Hits: Coal Miner’s Daughter, You Ain’t Woman Enough
The Kentucky-born Loretta Lynn rocked the country music scene with her revolutionary songwriting and singing abilities. She has released more hit tracks than most of her soulful contemporaries, such as One’s on the Way, You Ain’t Woman Enough, and Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin’. With more than forty-five million album sales, Lynn sure made a lot of money out of a genre that often sings about being down and out. Lynn will not be losing her place at the top of country music’s leading names.
Loretta Lynn
Lou Reed – $15 million
Greatest Hits: Heavenly Arms, Think It Over
Lou Reed was the mastermind of The Velvet Underground’s success by being the band’s songwriter and lead singer. His amazing career carried on for half a century. That being said, The Velvet Underground did not perform as well as its members might have liked, but would go on to be considered one of the most essential indie bands ever to have been formed. Reed departed from the band in 1970 and would go on to record 20 albums on his own. While Reed would have something of a turbulent life, his albums would sell well.
Lou Reed
Kris Kristofferson – $160 million
Greatest Hits: Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, Me and Bobby McGee
Kris Kristofferson is a singer-songwriter with a legendary status that recently began dabbling in the world of stand-up comedy. With his counterparts in the music industry, he has collaborated with many other greats, as well as Shel Silverstein, the writer. Kristofferson is considered to be as amazing as Willie Nelson, Jonny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and was part of The Highwaymen. Kristofferson is also an actor, having starred in films like Blade, Heaven’s Doors, and A Star is Born.
Kris Kristofferson
Paul McCartney – $1.2 billion
Greatest Hits: Yesterday
There are many famous people on this list, but few are more recognizable or accomplished (or wealthy) as Paul McCartney. He is best known for carrying the legacy of his former supernova band, The Beatles. The man has recorded thousands of songs and has many of the most famous ones under his belt, such as Yesterday. Beyond his time in The Beatles Paul McCartney has enjoyed an incredibly successful solo career. The man was welcomed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on two separate occasions. He possesses an incredible 18 Grammys and was also knighted for the incredible contributions that he made to music in 1997.
Paul McCartney
Van Morrison – $90 million
Greatest Hits: Brown Eyed Girl, Gloria
Van Morrison commenced his career in music as a youngster, in time going on to become a legend in the industry and world at large. Morrison would begin his serious musical career as a part of several showbands within his home country of Ireland, but the group Them would catapult him into proper fame with the successes of the R&B band from Northern Island. Gloria would be their biggest fit, with Morrison’s vocals winning over audiences amazingly. Toward the end of the 1960s, he released Brown-Eyed Girl.
Van Morrison
Bob Dylan – $200 million
Greatest Hits: Blowin’ in the Wind, The Times, They Are A’Changin’
The name Bob Dylan is legendary in itself, but the story behind the man himself is one of the most incredible in the music industry’s history in general. Dylan became crucial to the efforts and successes of the 60s’ counterculture movement with songs like Blowin’ in the Wind and The Times They Are A-Changin’. He was a protest artist that roused many people into action. He was also technologically revolutionary, using electronic amplifiers with his guitars, something that was frowned upon all those years ago. With more than 100 million record sales, Dylan is also the owner of the Nobel Prize.
Bob Dylan
Brian Wilson – $75 million
Greatest hits: God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, I Get Around
Brian Wilson was one of the key founders of the Beach Boys, a band that was signed with Capitol in 1962. Wilson would also be an essential songwriter for the band, having written 24 out of the 40 hit tracks of the surfing singers. The Beach Boys consisted of his family members, including his cousin and brothers. Wilson might not perform very often today, but he is still considered to be the founder of punk rock and indie music.
Brian Wilson
John Fogerty – $70 million
John Fogerty formed Creedence Clearwater Revival along with his brother Tom, John Fogerty, and Stu Cook. They would go on to produce many incredible albums together and secure their place collectively in the most successful bands to have been formed list. John was the lead writer and singer in the group. Sadly, the band fell apart in 1972, which did not deter John’s determination as he commenced his own successful solo career. He has been listed in many top 100 musicians lists.
John Fogerty
Willie Nelson – $25 million
Greatest Hits: On the Road Again, Family Bible
The Texas-born musician and songwriter Willie Nelson commenced his musical career in earnest with the release of Shotgun Willie Nelson. He is an incredibly colorful character that is famous for his love of cannabis and being an advocate for the drug’s legal usage. Nelson was also a prominent actor and has never faltered in his efforts to reverse the effects of drug prohibition. Nelson infamously ran into a lot of legal trouble for trying to cheat the IRS.
Willie Nelson
Elton John – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Crocodile Rock, Rocket Man
Elton John is one of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated artists and is world-famous for his emotive and energetic songs. John has enjoyed hundreds of millions of record sales in his lengthy career. He dedicated an entire album to the late Princess Diana following her tragic death, called Candle in the Wind. The lead song continues to be his most successful track. He is one of the well-regarded and popular artists in the world, just behind other titans like Madonna and The Beatles.
Elton John
David Bowie – $100 million
Greatest Hits: Modern Love, Changes, Space Oddity
David Bowie has around 140 million record sales across the world, with ten of them having gone platinum. Bowie’s larger-than-life and eccentric persona earned him an incredible following, beyond his fabulous music. His alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, would take up much of his public persona’s time with us. Space Oddity was released in 1983 and would become one of his best hits. He sadly passed away recently at the age of 62. He was one of the pioneers of glam and punk rock.
David Bowie
Glenn Frey – $200 million
Greatest Hits: James Dean, Tequila Sunrise, Lyin’ Eyes
Glenn Frey is best known for his time as The Eagles’ lead singer. He was the master of top tracks like New Kid in Town, Tequila Sunrise, Take it Easy, and Lyin’ Eyes, among many others. The man continued with his solo career once the 1980 disbanding of The Eagles was concluded. He began his lone efforts with No Fun Aloud. His other most prominent songs include Sexy Girl, Blues Smuggler, and The Heat is On.
Glenn Frey
John Prine – $6 million
Greatest Hits: Illegal Smile, Sam Stone, Dear Abby
John Prine has been heading an amazing musical career that began in the 1970s, being both a singer and songwriter. The man began learning how to play guitar when he was fourteen years old, having been taught by Chicago’s Folk’s Old Town School. Prine would take a sabbatical from music when he served in the then divided West Germany. Once his time in the army was over, he would return to Chicago where he would eventually encounter Kris Kristofferson, who would be so impressed by his sound that he would help Prine sign on with Atlantic Records.
John Prine
Bono – $700 million
Greatest Hits: Sunday, Bloody Sunday
The Dublin-born Bono might not have known in his youth that he would go on to become one of the world’s most famous musicians of all time. He would grow up to lead one of the most successful bands of all time, U2, which he managed and fronted. He would also write the majority of their album’s songs. Bono holds 22 Grammys on behalf of his band, and has never been shy about guiding budding and successful musicians on songwriting. Bono was always very politically active, something that fed through into his music.
Bono
George Harrison – $400 million
Greatest Hits: Here Comes the Sun, Taxman
George Harrison might not have enjoyed as much fame as his other former Beatles bandmates like John Lennon and John McCartney, but that did not take away from his talent as the supergroup’s former lead guitarist. He was also an incredible songwriter, being the owner of Raxma, Here Comes the Sun, and Whatever. Like his other Beatles, Harrison was strongly inspired by Indian music and culture. Harrison sadly passed away in Los Angeles in 2001.
George Harrison
Sam Cooke – $650,000
Greatest Hits: Chain Gang, Wonderful World, A Change is Gonna Come
Sam Cooke was a businessperson and singer that would also include songwriting in his varied professional portfolio. The gentleman would soon be recognized as the “King of Soul” thanks to his amazing voice and popular music. His youth was filled with many performances and he would head The Soul Stirrers prior to launching his solo career. Cooke collaborated with other greats such as Billy Preston, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin. His contributions to American music are unfounded.
Sam Cooke
Bert Berns – $20 million
Greatest Hits: Here Comes the Night, Hang on Sloopy, Twist and Shout
The Bronx-born Bert Berns became a leading songwriter and producer throughout the 1960s. With songs like Hang on Sloopy and Twist and Shout, the man would command an influential score of music. He was also famous for hit numbers like Baby Please Don’t Go, Brown Eyed Girl, and Under the Boardwalk. He would often frequent mambo nightclubs during his youth spent in Havana, but would be forced to return to America during the Cuban Revolution. He was only 38 years old when he sadly succumbed to heart complications.
Bert Berns
Marvin Gaye – $5 million
Greatest Hits: I Heard it Through the Grapevine, How Sweet It Is, Ain’t That Peculiar
The “Prince of Soul”, also known as Marvin Gaye, was also known as the “Prince of Motown”, was regarded as royalty thanks to his essential contributions to the genre during the 1960s. Prior to the start of her solo career, Gaye established himself as the initial in-house session musician. Motown was pioneered by him and other greats like Stevie Wonder. They successfully made their way away from the mainstream record business and individually commended producing their own records. Gaye was a major inspiration for neo-soul, too.
Marvin Gaye
Chrissie Hynde – $12 million
Greatest Hits: Back on the Chain Gang, Talk of the Town
Chrissie Hynde was the frontwoman of The Pretenders from 1978 onward. She was greatly influenced by the hippie counterculture fad and worked for some time in London with Vivienne Westwood at a clothes store. Hynde would eventually replace her music career with one in fashion. She would collaborate with other legends like Frank Sinatra, UB40, and Cher. Dave Hill, the CEO of Real Music, would become her record manager. One of Hynde’s highlight career moments was when she was finally able to pay her rent.
Chrissie Hynde
Lucinda Williams – $15 million
Greatest Hits: Get Right With God, Can’t Let Go
Lucinda Williams is a country singer that came from Louisiana to become one of the traditional genre’s most celebrated members. She would also dominate country-rock and folk-rock. From 1978 onward she was a music industry staple and her titular first album came out to amazing reception. She wrote Passionate Kisses, a song that handed Williams a 1994 Grammy win. She is amazingly dedicated to touring and performing, but not so much to recording albums and songs.
Lucinda Williams
Harry Nilsson – $7 million
Greatest Hits: Coconut, Without You
Harry Nilsson was one of the many loved rock stars of the late 20th century, but despite his popularity, he never once entertained the thought of touring or holding concerts. Despite not wishing to take to the stage, Nilsson still made a lot of money with his music. The Caribbean music-inspired Great American Songbook proved that Nilsson is a masterful artist. He was also a huge inspiration for indie music. The Monkees received much music from him. Nilsson Schmilsson was probably his most successful album.
Harry Nilsson
Curtis Mayfield – $10 million
Greatest Hits: People Get Ready
Curtis Mayfield would become part of The Impressions between the 1950s and 1960s, becoming equally committed to music and the civil rights movement. The Chicago-born gospel singer would eventually begin performing outside of church. He would then meet Jerry Butler and go on to form The Impressions. The band would supply the civil rights movement with plenty of anthems and inspiration. Mayfield would later dabble in cinema, becoming a director, with Super Fly being his most notable work.
Curtis Mayfield
Max Martin – $260 million
Greatest Hits: I Want It That Way, It’s Gonna Be Me, Baby One More Time
We now fast-forward to a more modern songwriter, Max Martin. The Sweden-born Martin would go on to become one of the most essential members of the pop music industry. He wrote music for The Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Britney Spears and provided them all with some of their greatest hits. Martin would make it into the Billboard Charts with 22 top placing albums. More recently, he wrote music for Weeknd, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and Taylor Swift.
Max Martin
Allen Toussaint – $3 million
Greatest Hits: Yes We Can Can, Working in the Coal Mine, Java
New Orleans’s music scene would never have thrived the way that it did without Allen Toussaint, and neither would R&B. Toussaint came from Gert Area, Louisiana to commence his career in the music industry as a “backroom figure” during the 1950s as his role primarily focused on composing and writing music. He wrote hit songs like Java, Working in the Coal Mine, Fortune Teller, and Mother-in-Law. His other amazing songs include Right Spot, Wrong Time, and Lady Marmalade.
Allen Toussaint
Chuck Berry – $10 million
Greatest Hits: Johnny B. Goode, Ida Red, You Can Never Tell
Where do we even begin with Chuck Berry? He is widely known as the “Father of Rock ‘n Roll, but that would take plenty of blood, sweat, and tears for the St. Louis-born youngster to achieve. He would begin his career by working alongside the Johnnie Johnson Trio. It was when he met Muddy Waters that he was assured success. Waters introduced him to Chess Music, and he would then release his first hit, called Ida Red.
Chuck Berry
Pete Townsend – $105 million
Greatest Hits: Pictures of Lilly, Happy Jack
Pete Townshend is one of rock music’s most important figures, with the band The Who being his most notable success. He had a career that spanned over half a decade and he would, in later years, become one of the inspiring figures within rock ‘n roll in general. Townsend wrote hundreds of songs and almost one dozen albums for The Who. He was also a massive fan of rock operas, and wrote two of his own, called Quadrophenia and Tommy. He was a successful journalist and writer, too.
Pete Townsend
George Clinton – $1.8 million
Greatest Hits: You’re Thinkin’ Right, Loopzilla, Can’t C Me
The well-established Motown artist called George Clinton is famous for writing and producing all manner of successful songs under a number of exclusive Detroit soul labels. The Parliaments was a project that he initiated, which would later be called Parliament and Funkadelic. Clinton would come to be appreciated for his individual electro-funk and acid rock fusions. He would provide much material for artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Outkast, Ice Cube, and Redman. Rap music would not be the same without his presence.
George Clinton
Isaac Hayes – $12 million
Greatest Hits: Soul Man
Isaac Hayes was integral in the formation of Stax Records. The studio guitarist worked as an in-house gem long before he commenced his career as a serious singer-songwriter. The Tennessee-born legend would write and record hit tracks such as Soul Man, which is recognized as one of the most important soul songs ever made. He would also provide films with music scores. Shaft’s score was probably his most notable score, which he won an Oscar for.
Isaac Hayes
Joe Strummer – $4 million
Greatest Hits: Rock the Casbah
Joe Strummer is a big name in the punk rock genre, having been one of the most inspiring figures ever. The Clash was Strummer’s biggest project, and he was welcomed to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. The Clash would also enter an album into the #2 position in the UK charts, and their succeeding albums would break into the US charts with platinum certifications. Along with the 101ers, The Mescaleros, and many other bands, Strummer would join forces with some of punk rock’s biggest historical figures.
Joe Strummer
Patti Smith – $16 million
Greatest Hits: Because the Night
The author, songwriter, and musician, Patti Smith, was a multi-talented powerhouse that was another integral pioneer in the punk rock scene. She would establish herself as a figurehead of the 1970s New York City scene. She was also a dedicated protest artist and poet. She composed Because the Night for Bruce Springsteen, which was perhaps her greatest work. Smith is also a fantastically accomplished writer, having been awarded the National Book Award in 2010 for Just Men, her memoir.
Patti Smith
Madonna – $590 million
Greatest Hits: Vogue, Hung Up, Like a Prayer, Like a Virgin
The Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, went from rags to immense riches as a phenomenon in the pop and music industry in general. She is known for being rather controversial with her dramatic concert theatrics and sultry music videos. Madonna entered the music career in 1979 and has amazingly continued to work extremely hard throughout the decades. Madonna started out in New York City as a dancer, but would sign with Sire Labels in 1982.
Madonna
Fats Domino – $8 million
Greatest Hits: Jambalaya, Ain’t That a Shame, Lady Madonna
New Orleans produced many fantastic artists in many genres, with Fats Domino being a saint in the rock ‘n roll genre. But Fats’ influence would go far beyond just rock, as he would inspire many R&B artists and the genre as a whole. Between 1955 and 1960 Domino enjoyed more than sixty-five million album sales and managed to achieved eleven entries into the top ten singles list. Domino might not have been the most vocal or charismatic figure, being rather shy, but his legacy is objectively monumental.
Fats Domino
Kurt Cobain – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Sappy, Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana was an incredibly famous and influential band, but much of their success undeniably hinged on the sad and irresistible charms of their lead singer, Kurt Cobain, who was also the guitarist. Washington was the place where Nirvana was spawned, along with Krist Novoselic and Aaron Burckhard, in 1987. A song such as Smells Like Teen Spirit would become one of rock music’s most famous songs ever made. Cobain would live a misunderstood existence and his music would not be truly appreciated by the media.
Kurt Cobain
Walter Becker – $20 million
Greatest Hits: Do It Again, Bad Sneakers
Walter Becker was one half of the magnificent and colorful rock group, Steely Dan, who partnered with Donald Fagan to form the band that was largely made up of studio musicians. The pair met at Bard College where they both studied. Steely Dan then began picking up momentum as they moved to Los Angeles. Once Steely Dan ended, Becker moved to Hawaii and formed his own production house. He then worked with the British band, China Crisis.
Walter Becker
Tom Waits – $25 million
Greatest Hits: Somewhere, Closing Time
Tom Waits is a California native that would become famous for his unmistakable deep and guttural voice. He would also become an actor to boot. The 1970s was the time when Waits was big into jazz, and he also experimented with vaudeville and blues. Bob Dylan and The Beat Generation were penned as his two biggest influences. He moved to San Diego to commence singing and would then move to Los Angeles to work out an asylum contract. His biggest songs are Minor Change, Saturday Night’s Hear, and Closing Time.
Tom Waits
Dan Penn – $1 million
Greatest Hits: The Dark End of the Street, Cry Like a Baby
Oldham Spooner, The Box Tops, and Chips Moman all had the distinct pleasure of working with Dan Penn. Being a rather elusive figure when it came to public appearances, Dan Penn was happier when he was left to his own devices writing music. It was at the Press Publishing Business that Chips Moman and Dan Penn struggled through a difficult partnership. Penn would have a smoother time with Aretha Franklin. So, quite an incredibly diverse portfolio!
Dan Penn
Stevie Nicks – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Landslide
While many songwriters will be cheated out of their deserved earnings or be unsung heroes of the music industry, but Stevie Nicks is happily not one of them. She happens to be one of the most successful and wealthiest songwriters ever to join the music industry. She was the main vocalist for Fleetwood Mac and would later enjoy a thriving solo career. With more than 140 million album sales, it seemed like Nicks could never fail when it came to releasing winning numbers.
Stevie Nicks
Mick Jagger – $360 million
Greatest Hits: Honky Tonk Women, Midnight Rambler
Mick Jagger is one of the most recognizable musicians around. The Rolling Stones’ lead singer and founder is one of the most powerful personas in the music industry. Jagger not only happens to be a highly talented musician, he also studied at the London School of Economics where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics. The man’s name is synonymous with rock ‘n roll and he has spawned an enormous following, not to mention an enormous net worth!
Mick Jagger
Willie Dixon – $2 million
Greatest Hits: Hoochie Coochie Man, My Babe
The Mississippi-born Willie Dixon is a religious figure in the blues genre. He was a singer, guitarist, producer, and songwriter. Willie Dixon was a champion for blues whose amazing style really uplifted and expanded the movement. He was the master of songs like My Baby and Hoochie Coochie Man. He won Grammys and his songs were covered by great bands like The Doors. One cannot learn to play the blues without consulting the legendary portfolio of Dixon’s moody tunes.
Willie Dixon
Morrissey – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Sheila Take a Bow, Shoplifters of the World Unite
The United Kingdom songwriter, singer, and author happens to be one of the richest individuals that can carry a tune. The Smiths was the band that propelled the Morrissey name to fame, with hit songs like How Soon is Now? and There Is A Light That Never Goes. There were less successful bands like Slaughter and the Dogs and Nosebleeds that he was part of. Morrissey was integral in establishing the indie and alternative genres.
Morrissey
Smokey Robinson – $100 million
Greatest Hits: Going to a Go-Go, Tracks of My Tears
The American songwriter and singer also went on to be a big-time record executive and producer. He was born in Michigan and would go on to head a major band like Miracles, which he also established. The band’s top tracks include Just To See Her, Cruisin’, and Being With You. This was the kind of band whose talent quickly gained momentum and appreciation. Robins might be in his eighties and uninterested in stage performances, but his net worth more than makes up for that.
Smokey Robinson
Kenny Gammble – $8.5 million
Greatest Hits: I’m Gonna Make You Love Me
The American singer, songwriter, and producer was born in Philadelphia and began songwriting at an incredibly youthful age. The Romeos was his most popular group, one which Kenny Gammble organized throughout the 1960s. Songs such as Don’t Stop Loving Me and Chains of Love would be the group’s most successful and beloved. Gammble is now approaching his 80s and has a comfortable net worth to retire with. His contributions to the music industry will not be forgotten.
Kenny Gammble
Jimmy Webb – $10 million
Greatest Hits: MacArthur Park, Wichita Lineman
Jimmy Webb was born in Oklahoma and would go on to attain incredible wealth, famous, and lasting status within the music industry. With songs such as MacArthur Park and All I know, Webb would go on to be a central musical figure during the 1980s. He would eventually be recognized to the level where he was worthy of the Hall of Fame in the same decade. Jimmy Webb was a tireless contributor to the music industry.
Jimmy Webb
Merle Haggard – $40 million
Greatest Hits: The Fightin’ Side of Me, Okie from Muskogee
Merle Haggard is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, but is best appreciated for his magical fiddling abilities. He is a powerhouse of country music creation and called California his home. He would rise to prominence during The Great Depression thanks to tracks such as If I Could Fly, Pancho & Lefty, and Mama Tried. Haggard would become central to the development of modern American music in general. Sadly, he would pass in 2016. Thankfully, we have his incredible music to remember him by.
Merle Haggard
Taylor Swift – $360 million
Taylor Swift is one of the modern entries to this list that has made a big enough contribution to pop music to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other giants of the music industry. Her pop-country sound would elevate her to the greatest heights of modern music appreciation. At the tender age of 14, Swift had already made up her mind: she wanted to be a pop star. She then moved to Nashville and commenced her path to glory. She was soon signed by Sony and commenced her ambitious and phenomenally fruitful career.
Taylor Swift
Buddy Holly – $1 million
Greatest Hits: Peggy Sue, That’ll Be the Day
Buddy Holly is the most important men to have ever picked up a guitar and microphone. His contributions to rock ‘n roll and music, in general, were unfounded, and he greatly shaped our understanding of modern music. He was prominent during the 50s, and would become a showstopper of a performer, not to mention a fantastic songwriter. Holly would tour extensively with a seemingly unstoppable pursuit of live performances. His greatest albums include Buddy Holly and That’ll Be The Day.
Buddy Holly
The Bee Gees – $86 million
Greatest Hits: How Deep is Your Love, Stayin’ Alive
The Bee Gees is a band that needs little introduction, and the same goes for the three brothers that formed the band, Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. You probably thought of their hit disco track, Stayin’ Alive, or one of their other extremely popular Saturday Night Fever soundtrack hits. The band was incredibly well-loved throughout the 70s and 80s and would enjoy more than 220 million records. You might then think that the three brothers deserve far more money!
The Bee Gees
Ray Davies – $12 million
Are you a fan of The Kinks? Then you are probably familiar with Ray Davis, the English guitarist that commenced his career with the band. He is recognized as one of the most important figures in English pop music. He would also go on to establish a highly successful solo career. He was famous for being a true crowd-pleaser on stage and would always deliver on the crowds’ wants and needs. His hits never stopped coming out during his immense career.
Ray Davies
Paul Westerberg – $9 million
Greatest Hits: Dyslexic Heart, Backlash
Paul Westerberg led an incredibly captivating life. The American gentleman was a janitor that would one fateful night be heard playing music by the members of The Replacements, who would excitedly ask him to join on. He then helped the band take off to the next level throughout the 80s with album sales in the millions. Their best songs include Dyxslexic Heart and Backlash. Westerberg would not spend his whole career with The Replacements and would go on to establish a successful solo career on his own.
Paul Westerberg
Robert Johnson – $500,000
Greatest Hits: Come On in My kitchen, Terraplane Blues
Robert Johnson was the kind of blues artist that would sadly only be truly appreciated posthumously. Don Law was the music producer that would unveil the majority of the 29 tracks that Johnson recorded. His music would then become widely enjoyed across the world. Tracks like Come in my Kitchen and Terraplane Blues would be his most enjoyed. Johnson had an incredibly original sound and style of playing that other greats like Bob Dylan would borrow.
Robert Johnson
Eminem – $210 million
Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, is a heavyweight in the rap industry and one of the most successful rhyming bad boys ever to take to the stage. He has many amazing albums under his belt and is famous for tracks like The Real Slim Shady, Superman, and Stan. Eminem is one of the most decorated artists of all time, having won many awards and Grammys, as well as Academy Awards. Eminem’s speedy rapping and disturbing lyrics made him an infamous figure in the rap industry.
Eminem
John Lennon – $800 million
Greatest Hits: Imagine, Working Class Hero
John Lennon is as legendary a figure as a music artist can be. He was one of The Beatles’ co-founders, which is one of the greatest bands to have ever been formed. Once The Beatles tragically disbanded, Lennon would proceed on his own with an incredibly prominent solo career. Songs like Working Class Hero, Imagine, and War is Over would be just as successful as his former band’s. Lennon was shockingly and tragically killed in December, 1980.
John Lennon
R.E.M. – $75 million
When it comes to American rock bands, few were as prominent or renowned as R.E.M. The Georgia-formed band was made up of Bill Berry, who was a musician and drummer that would join forces with Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, and Peter Buck. The gentlemen met during their time at the University of Georgia. Losing My Religion was a phenomenally successful song of theirs that remained high in the charts for an extended period. The band would end in 2011.
REM
Jeff Barry – $1 million
Greatest Hits: Be My Baby, Do Wah Diddy Diddy
While younger folks might not know who Jeff Barry is, considering that he was born in 1938, he is an essential listen for any music lover. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and rose to immense fame in the songwriting, signing, and producing worlds. Da Do Ron Ron and Do Wah Diddy Diddy are among his most famous tracks. RCA, United Artists and Bell were labels that signed him. Barry has recently taken it easy with his $1 million net worth.
Jeff Barry
Kanye West – $250 million
The eccentric and energetic Kanye West is an essential icon in rap and hip-hop, as well as songwriting and even fashion design. West is known equally for his explosive concerts and for his bizarre public stunts. West recently turned quite religious with his latest album, Jesus is King, his ninth studio album. West is married to the stunning influencer and public figure, Kim Kardashian. He also ran for president in the last presidential US election, managing to gain an impressive number of votes!
Kanye West
Prince – $300 million
Greatest Hits: Nothing Compares 2 U, Kiss, When Doves Cry
Prince was one of the most sensational, emotive, and uplifting artists of modern times. His original name was Prince Rogers Nelson. He was a virtuoso and multi-talented musician that could play a wide range of instruments. Prince also found that he was a talented director, actor, and dancer. He was 1.6 meters in height, but dynamite comes in small packages. He enjoyed album sales in the millions during his time and became fabulously wealthy. Songs like When Doves Cry, Kiss, and Nothing Compares to You will always be enjoyed greatly by his many fans.
Prince