Songwriters and singers were not always partnering or duos. We could tell because of a feud between Drake and Meek Mill. However, some singers might not be a successful songwriter. In this article, we would talk about some of the adored pop-culture adored by everyone. The artists we would talk about were well-known because of their ability not only with vocals but also for making a song.
Who Among Your Favorite Singers Are Also The Richest Songwriters Of All Time?
Neil Diamond – $175 million
Greatest Hits: Song Sung Blue, Cracklin’ Rosie
Neil Diamond had produced one hundred albums that were sold all over the world. Thirty-eight of his singles were included in the top 10 billboard charts. Neil became one of the best-selling artists in history. Ten of his best singles were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters in 2011 and 1984. Neil was also known for his witty attitude. Will Ferrell made a parody of him at SNL.
Neil Diamond
Johnny Cash – $60 million
Greatest Hits: I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash was one of the well-known singers that became successful in his career. Johnny had ninety million albums that were sold across the world. Johnny became inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The singer became famous because of his hard-edged music. People knew his opening line as “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” At every concert, he would introduce himself to the listeners.
Johnny Cash
Joni Mitchell – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Woodstock, Big Yellow Taxi
Joni Mitchell had made a well-known album. Joni was known for being a guitarist, pianist, and poet. The artists had combined genres like folk, pop, jazz, and rock. The songs like “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Wood Stock,” and “Both Sides” were known by the listeners. Reprise Records released these songs, and some of those songs were hits. Joni had changed her appearance and voice to create another genre.
Joni Mitchell
Jerry Garcia – $40 million
Greatest Hits: Truckin’, Sugaree
Jerry Garcia, who grew up in San Francisco, was a well-known band in his 30 years. Jerry had multiple bands and several solo albums that became a hit. The artist was included in the list of 13th Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists.” Jerry became famous because of his psychedelic rock style, and the artist’s greatest hits were Truckin and Sugaree. People adored him for doing an improvising guitar solo.
Jerry Garcia
Paul Simon – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Paul Simon almost created all his songs. Some of the songs were “Mrs. Robinson,” “Sound of Silence,” and the famous “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” It was all owned by Columbia Records. However, in 1970, the duo had separated, and Simon had produced Graceland. There were 14 million copies of Graceland that were sold to the people. It was the best solo hit that he had done. Paul got a career in Broadway and writing music.
Paul Simon
James Taylor – $60 million
Greatest Hits: Paint It Black, Night Owl
James Taylor was known for being a singer-songwriter that won five Grammys. In 2000, James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The artist was one of the best-selling artists of all time, and James had sold 100 million albums across the world. The “Fire and Rain” album was his breakthrough. After creating a hit, another song became popular to the people. It was the “How Sweet it is,” “HandyMan,” and “Sweet Baby James.”
James Taylor
Carole King – $70 million
Greatest Hits: It’s Too Late, Nightingale, Jazzman
Carole King was one of the famous female songwriters in 1950 – 2000. One hundred eighteen of her co-wrote work had been included in the 118 hits in Billboard Hot 100, and it was only in America. Sixty-one of her songs were included in the UK charts. It was the reason why she became the most famous female songwriter in that place. Carole had also produced the album called Writer and Tapestry. Tapestry had been included in the charts for almost four months in America.
Carole King
Stevie Wonder – $110 million
Greatest Hits: Superstition
Steveland, also known as Stevie Wonder, was a well-known artist in the world. Stevie was not only a great singer and writer, but he also learned how to play harmonica, drums, and many more instruments. Stevie had a hundred million records that were sold across the world. The artists gained 25 Grammys and Oscars with some accolades. The artist was inducted in the Fame’s Rock & Rock hall and Songwriters Hall. Stevie made multiple hits that were included in the Billboard Hot 100.
Stevie Wonder
Billy Joel – $180 million
Greatest Hits: Piano Man, Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Billy Joel or was known as the “Piano Man,” became successful in his career. The singer slash composer was an outstanding solo artist in the 1970s. Billy had made 150 million records that were sold across the world. One of the best albums he had made was Born in The Bronx. Billy did not finish high school to pursue a career in music. Columbia Records had hired the artist in 1972.
Billy Joel
Burt Bacharach – $160 million
Greatest Hits: Arthur’s Theme, Close to You
Burt Bacharach was known as an influential composer for the twentieth century. The songwriter was born in 1982 in Missouri. In 1980, Burt began to compose music. Hal David was his duo in making a song, and Burt was recognized because of his work together with Dionne Warwick. The artist also worked with some small orchestras. The members of the orchestras had used rare instruments. Burt was a talented songwriter, but he even knew how to sing and play the piano.
Burt Bacharach
Randy Newman – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Just One Smile, I’ve Been Wrong Before
Randy Newman was a well-known songwriter and great at arranging pieces. Randy centered his work as a film composer and gained him 20 Oscar awards. Randy was one of the people who got the most-nominated Oscars, and the artist was also inducted in the Fame’s Songwriters Hall In 2007. Randy had produced music for animation and live-action. The movies where we could hear his work were Cold Turkey, Meet the Parents, Seabiscuit, and many more.
Randy Newman
Dolly Parton – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5
Dolly Parton was not only a well-known singer because they had created 3,000 songs. One of those songs he had written was “I Will Always Love You,” which Whitney Houston sang. During her interview, Dolly claimed that she was only seven years old when she began creating songs. The artist had tried to make a song every day in her life. It might be a poem, concept, albums, and many more. Dolly had earned 35 BMI awards because of her work.
Dolly Parton
Tom Petty – $95 million
Greatest Hits: Here Comes My Girl, Refugee, Don’t Do Me Like That
Tom Petty was a well-known artist that had sold most of his creations. Tom was fascinated with rock and roll when he was at the age of ten. It was also the time that he had met the famous Elvis Presley. Tom had his type of punk rock. The artist did not become successful when he formed the band Mud crutch. However, the Heartbreakers was the reason why he and his career had flourished. Tom had formed another band in 1970 and created a second album that reached the top 40.
Tom Petty
Loretta Lynn – $65 million
Greatest Hits: You Ain’t Woman Enough, Coal Miner’s Daughter
Loretta Lynn grew up in Kentucky and became the most famous artist in country music history. Loretta’s songs like “You Ain’t Woman Enough Don’t Come Home A Drinkin,” “Fist City,” “One’s on the Way.” and many more were the work that made people adore her. Forty-five million of her records had been sold and were listened to by the people. Loretta was still touring in different places, even at the age of 87.
Loretta Lynn
Lou Reed – $15 million
Greatest Hits: Think It Over, Heavenly Arms
The people knew Lou Reed as The Velvet Underground’s primary vocalist and songwriter. Lou also had a successful solo career for 50 years. People thought that at the time he was at the Velvet Underground, they were not successful. However, it was viewed as the most influential underground rock band during that time. Like other people, the artist had suffered some loss, but he had eventually become successful in his work.
Lou Reed
Kris Kristofferson – $160 million
Greatest Hits: Me and Bobby McGee, Sundy Mornin’ Comin’ Down
Kris Kristofferson was a well-known singer and songwriter. Kris had an outstanding career in the industry. The artist was not only good at singing, but he had created some music for other artists. People knew him for his group called The highwaymen. Together with Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson, they had played in a movie like Heaven’s Gate, Blade, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and A Star is Born. Kris had earned a Golden Globe for A Star’s Born Success.
Kris Kristofferson
Paul McCartney – $1.2 billion
Greatest Hits: Yesterday
Paul McCartney was the only person who had to exceed John Lennon when we talked about fame. We knew it was possible because he was one of the co-founders of the Beatles. There were some of his songs that were sung by other artists. One of those songs was “Yesterday.” Paul was inducted in the Fame’s Rock & Roll Hall twice. The artist got 18 Grammys. In 1997. These were the reasons why Paul became a millionaire.
Paul McCartney
Van Morrison – $90 million
Greatest Hits: Gloria, Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison was known as the legend that started his music career as a teenager. Van was a part of different showbands and became a member of a well-known brand, “Them.” It was a Northern Irish band with an R&B genre. In the band, he was the main vocalist. In the 1960s, Van had produced a single called “Brown-Eyed Girl,” and his first album was called Astral Weeks, and his second album was Moondance.
Van Morrison
Bob Dylan – $200 million
Greatest Hits: The Times, They Are A’Changin’, Blowin In The Wind
Bob Dylan was a well-known pop-culture musician. Bob had written “The Times They Are A’Changin” and “Blowin’ In the Wind.” in 1960, Bob had produced an eponymous album. After creating the album. Bob was recognized as the person who was the first to use the electrically amplified instrument in creating rock music. One hundred million of his albums were sold, and the artist gained the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Nobel Prize in 2012 and 2016.
Bob Dylan
Brian Wilson – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Good Vibrations, I Get Around, God Only Knows, Barbara Ann
Brian Wilson was also the founder of Beach Boys. In 1962, Brian had entered a contract with Capitol. The artist had made 24 songs that were included in the top 40 hits. Brian was recognized as the unique and imaginative songwriters of the twentieth century. Most people believed that he was a genius. The songwriter sometimes toured to different places and was known as the indie-pop and punk rock godfather. Some artists were inspired because of his work.
Brian Wilson
John Fogerty – $70 million
Greatest Hits: Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son
John Fogerty had a successful solo career and was an outstanding member of the Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was a band that John and his brother, Tom, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook had created. John was playing the lead guitar, and he was the person who wrote their songs. However, the members of the band decided to part ways in 1972. It was the start of John’s solo career. According to Rolling Stone, the artist was the 100 Best Guitarist and Greatest Singers of all time.
John Fogerty
Willie Nelson – $25 million
Greatest Hits: Family Bible, On the Road Again
Willie Nelson was known as the songwriter, singer, and actor. Willie became famous after he had produced a shotgun Willie. There were also hit albums like Red Headed Stranger and Stardust. The songwriter was a well-known person in the 1970s. Willie played a role in 30 films, published multiple books, and was an activist. People also knew him for creating The IRS Tapes. It was a double album that portrayed IRS unpaid tax debt.
Willie Nelson
Elton John – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock
Elton John was a rock legend and loved by the people. Three hundred hundred million of his albums were sold worldwide. Fifty-eight were included in the Billboard singles. The “Candle in the Wind” was the song that he wrote after Princess Diana’s accident. It was still the most sold single in the United Kingdom and the United States. Elton had earned five Grammys and multiple other accolades. Elton was a known LGBTQ activist that made $300 million for the group.
Elton John
David Bowie – $100 million
Greatest Hits: Changes, Space Oddity, Modern Love
David Bowie had 140 million albums that were sold around the world. David had gained ten Platinum certifications for some of his hit songs. David was also known as Ziggy Stardust. David grew up in South London, and he decided to study art and music at a very young age. In 1983, David entered the career and produced the Space Oddity. David tied a vow with Iman before he passed away at the age of 62.
David Bowie
Glenn Frey – $200 million
Greatest Hits: Tequila Sunrise, Lyin’ Eyes, James Dean
Glenn Frey was known as the main vocalist of the band The Eagles. Glenn had created the most well-known singles like “Tequila Sunrise,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and some music that was still listened to today. In 1980, The Eagles were disbanded. Glenn had decided to become a solo artist. The artist had created “Blue Smuggler,” “The Heat is On,” and many more included in the top 40s. However, he passed away at 67 in New York City.
Glenn Frey
John Prine – $6 million
Greatest Hits: Sam Stone, Illegal Smile, Dear Abby
John Prine was a well-known songwriter and musician. In 1970, John had a flourishing career. At the age of 14, the artist had started to play the guitar. John had a guitar lesson in Chicago at Folk’s Old Town School. At 18 years old, John stopped creating music and became a part of the Army in West Germany. After serving the army, John had returned to Chicago. Kris Kristofferson was the person who helped John to release his first album.
John Prine
Bono – $700 million
Greatest Hits: Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Bono grew up in Dublin and was a famous musician during that time. Bono was known as the U2’s boss, and all of the songs that U2’s sang were written by him. The band had earned 22 Grammys. The pieces that Bono was creating had a combination of social and political themes. Bono was influenced by his school when he was still studying. The artist wrote most of his and U2’s life experiences.
Bono
George Harrison – $400 million
Greatest Hits: Taxman, Here Comes the Sun
George Harrison was the one who played the lead guitar in the band The Beatles. People knew him as “The Quiet Beatle.” George had written some of the songs that the band sang. These songs were “Here Comes the Sun,” “Taxman,” Something,” and many more. George’s music had impacted George Formby, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Django Reinhardt, and the guitarist was influenced by Indian culture and pop music. However, George had passed away in 2001.
George Harrison
Sam Cooke – $650,000
Greatest Hits: Wonderful World, Chain Gang, A Change is Gonna Come
Sam Cooke was known as a musician, businessman, and resident. People loved the voice that made him known as the “King of Soul.” Sam had entered the industry when he became part of the group The Soul Stirrers. Later, Sam tried to make a solo career. Sam had helped Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield. Bobby Womack, Billy Preston, and many more. Sam made James Brown and Otis Redding famous. For Bruce Eder, Sam was the “inventor.”
Sam Cooke
Bert Berns – $20 million
Greatest Hits: Hang on Sloopy, Twist and Shout, Here Comes the Night
Bert Berns grew up in the Bronx. Bert was an influential person in 1960. These were some of his famous creations like “Twist and South,” “Hang on Sloopy,” and many more. He had created songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Baby Please Don’t Go.” Bert was always at the dance mambo nightclubs when he was young. The artist resided in Havana before moving to America. Bert passed away at 38 years old because of complications in his heart.
Bert Berns
Marvin Gaye – $5 million
Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is, Ain’t That Peculiar, I Heard it Through the Grapevine
The people knew Marvin Gaye as the “Prince of Soul” and “Prince of Motown.” In the 1960s, Marvin had made a Motown sound. Before Marvin pursued a solo career, he was an in-house session player. Marvin was the first person in a Motown musician that had broken the record in the industry. The artist had impacted the music industry because of his performance. Marvin had gained Grammy because of Midnight Love, and he was featured in the 1983 NBA All-Star Game.
Marvin Gaye
Chrissie Hynde – $12 million
Greatest Hits: Talk of the Town, Back on the Chain Gang
Chrissie Hynde was the person who made The Pretenders in 1978. The hippie counterculture movement was the reason why she was doing a job in London. Chrissie was with Vivienne Westwood in a clothing shop. However, Chrissie decided to leave the fashion shop to pursue music. The singer produced songs together with UB40, Cher, and Frank Sinatra. In 1978, Chrissie had made a demo tape and sent it to Real Records owned by Dave Hill.
Chrissie Hynde
Lucinda Williams – $15 million
Greatest Hits: Can’t Let Go, Get Right With God
Lucinda Williams grew up in Louisiana. The artist was known as the rock-country singer and became the iconic folk-rock and country-rock movement model. Lucinda had entered the music industry in 1978. The artist had made “Passionate Kisses,” which earned his first Grammy in 1994. Lucinda worked hard to become successful in her career. Later, she had released two more albums. Lucinda became famous after she lost Car Wheels on Gravel Path.
Lucinda Williams
Harry Nilsson – $7 million
Greatest Hits: Without You, Coconut
Harry Nilsson was one of the successful rock artists of his age. The artist might not perform in a concert, but he had been featured in commercial success. Harry was recognized as the Great American Songbook style that had recognized Caribbean sounds. Harry had affected the Indie rock in the industry, and the artist had created songs like The Monkees. The most famous album he had made was Nilsson Schmilsson. Harry was also part of the Hollywood Vampires and the best friend of Lennon.
Harry Nilsson
Curtis Mayfield – $10 million
Greatest Hits: People Get Ready
Curtis Mayfield became part of the band in the ’50s, and the artist was known for his songs and activism. Curtis grew up in Chicago and began practicing his vocals in the gospel choir. Later, he had encountered Jerry Butler. It was the time Curtis became a member of the Impression. Curtis had created songs like “People Get Ready” in the Rolling Stone’s Greatest All-Time Songs as ranked #24.
Curtis Mayfield
Max Martin – $260 million
Greatest Hits: Baby One More Time, It’s Gonna Be Me, I Want It That Way
Max Martin grew up in Sweden and was known as the author. Max had created songs that were sung by Britney Spears like “Baby One More Time,” The Backstreet Boys, “I Want It That Way,” and NSYNC “It’s Gonna Be Me.” Max also created 22 songs that became number one on the Billboard Charts. Max wrote some hits that Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, and Weekend sang. The number one singles that Paul McCartney and George Martin sang was the creation of Max Martin.
Max Martin
Allen Toussaint – $3 million
Greatest Hits: Working in the Coal Mine, Yes We Can Can, Java
Allen Toussaint grew up; in Gert Town, Louisiana. Allen was known as New Orleans’ prominent rhythm-and-blues genre model. In 1950, Allen had entered the industry and was known as the “backroom figure.” Allen had created songs like “Fortune Teller,” “Working in the Coal Mine,” “Java,” “Mother-in-Law,” and many more. Allen had released some of the greatest hits like “Lady Marmalade” and “Right Place, Wrong Time.”
Allen Toussaint
Chuck Berry – $10 million
Greatest Hits: Ida Red, You Can Never Tell, Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry was known as the “Father of Rock’ N Roll.” Chuck had changed the rhythm mixed with blue to create rock and roll. Chuck made a kind of rock and roll that had guitar solos. The artist grew up in St. Louis and was introduced to music when he was young. Chuck became a member of The Johnnie Johnson Trio. Later, he had met Muddy Waters, and Chuck got a contract with Chess Records.
Chuck Berry
Pete Townshend – $105 million
Greatest Hits: Happy Jack, Pictures of Lilly
Pete Townshend was one of the familiar names in his era. Pete was the co-founder of The Who, and his band continued to play for over fifty years. Pete was the leader of the group and got a fantastic voice in the 20th century. Pete had created 100 songs for his band and among those songs were for Tommy and Quadrophenia. Pete also made essays, books, and many more. Later, the artist had decided to make a solo career.
Pete Townshend
George Clinton – $1.8 million
Greatest Hits: Can’t C Me, Loopzilla, You’re Thinkin’ Right
George Clinton was the previous Motown songwriter, and the artist was recognized because of his recordings and several hit songs. George had created his band called The Parliaments. Later, it was renamed Parliament and Funkadelic. People recognized George as a typical psychedelic rock and electro-funk style. George had written rap music for Tupac, Ice Cube, Outcast, Redman, and many more. One of these songs was “Can’t C Me.”
George Clinton
Isaac Hayes – $12 million
Greatest Hits: Soul Man
Isaac Hayes was one of the famous artists in Stax Records. Before he became a successful singer and writer, Isaac was the in-house musician for the label. The artist grew up in Tennessee, and one of his most excellent songs was “Soul Man.” Isaac created some pieces that were used in the movie. Isaac had gained an Oscar because of his work at Shaft’s film and was the third African American who had won the “competitive” Oscar.
Isaac Hayes
Joe Strummer – $4 million
Greatest Hits: Rock the Casbah
Joe Strummer was one of the iconic people in the history of punk rock. Joe was the creator of The Clash Band. In 2003, Joe was inducted into the Fame’s Rock and Roll Hall. The second album that the band released became top 2 in the UK charts. The third and fourth album became a hit in the US. Joe played with other bands like The Mescalero, Pegues, Latino Rockabilly, 101ers, and Joe also tried a solo career, created TV and film scores, and many more.
Joe Strummer
Patti Smith – $16 million
Greatest Hits: Because the Night
Patti Smith was a well-known poet, singer, and songwriter. Her work had impacted New York City’s punk rock movement in the 1970s. People in her era knew her as the punk poet Laureate because she mixed poetry and the genre to create beautiful music. Songs like “Because the Night” sang together with Bruce Springsteen and became a hit. Patti had earned the National Book Award in 2010. The artist was one of Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Artists.”
Patti Smith
Madonna – $590 million
Greatest Hits: Like a Virgin, Like a Prayer, Vogue, Hung Up
Madonna was adored by the people and was famous as the Queen of Pop. Madonna was a great actress, songwriter, and singer. Frequently, there were issues with her songs and features. The singer entered the industry in 1979. Later, she transferred to New York City to continue her career in dancing. The Records hired Madonna in 1982. Some of the well-known songs were “Like A Virgin,” “Ray of Light.” “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” and many more.
Madonna
Fats Domino – $8 million
Greatest Hits: Ain’t That a Shame, Jambalaya, Lady Madonna
Fats Domino was a well-known rock-and-roll artist. Fats had influenced R&B. there were 65 million of his songs bought by the people during 1955 and 1960. Fats was recognized as a shy type of person. Thirty-five of his albums had been included in 40 billboard charts. Most of his records became platinum or gold certified. Fats had produced “The Fat Man” in 1949 and was known as the album that sold for a million copies.
Fats Domino
Kurt Cobain – $50 million
Greatest Hits: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Sappy
Kurt Cobain was the vocalist of Nirvana. The singer was known as Generation X’s and one of the people adored by the people. Kurt grew up in Washington and was the lead guitarist in his band. In 1987, Kurt had discovered his band together with Aaron Burchard and Krist Novoselic. After Nirvana got the contract with DGC, their reputation rose. One of their greatest hits was “Smells Like Teen Spirits.”
Kurt Cobain
Walter Becker – $20 million
Greatest Hits: Bad Sneakers, Do It Again
Walter Becker was the co-songwriter and founder of Steely Dan. The artist loved to perform jazz/rock band guitar and bass. Later, Walter had encountered his co-founder named Donald Fagen. The two were Bard College Students and planned to start the Steely Dan. After creating Steely Dan, they had moved into LA and became famous because of the commercial run. Later, Becker had transferred to Hawaii after the separation. Walter became a record producer and member of the China Crisis. In 1993, Walter reestablished the Steely Dan.
Walter Becker
Tom Waits – $25 million
Greatest Hits: Closing Time, Somewhere
Tom Waits was a well-known California singer, songwriter, and actor. People adored Tom because of her punk lyric and the sound of his music. In 1970, Tom had centered his music on the jazz genre. However, the artist had impacted blues and vaudeville. Tom started performing in San Diego, and later, he transferred to LA and got a contract with Asylum. His first albums were “Closing Time,” “Saturday Night’s Heart,” and “Small Change.”
Tom Waits
Dan Penn – $1 million
Greatest Hits: Cry Like a Baby, The Dark End of the Street
Dan Penn was a well-known songwriter that created and produced multiple hits in the 1960s. one of those songs was “The Dark End of the Street.” “Cry Like a Baby,” and “Do Right Woman.” Dan also performed with other artists like The Box Tops, Chips Moman, Spooner Oldham, and many more. Dan was a shy type of person. The artist had a successful relationship with Chips Moman for Press Publishing Company. However, the two had separated, and Dan had been partnered with Aretha Franklin.
Dan Penn