In recent times, we have seen many songwriters whose creative skills and talent have landed lifetime earning. Although singing and songwriting have high-income potential, those in the latter profession make more money in the long term as they get paid per song and equally earn royalties for life especially if they wrote a hit song. Interestingly, most of the richest songwriters of all time are also talented singers.
As such, they make twice as many royalties they have signed when their songs are played on the radio or broadcast on television. Thus, it’s no surprise that they have become multi-millionaires. It’s also noteworthy that these richest songwriters have other sources of income as some are record producers, actors, entrepreneurs, fashion designers, etc. From these revenue streams, they have been able to add millions of dollars to their bank accounts.
2020 List of 25 Wealthiest Songwriters of All Time And Their Financial Values
25. Lady Gaga
Net Worth: $150 million
Date of Birth: March 28th, 1986
Professionally known as Lady Gaga, Stefano Joanne Angelina Germanotta is a talented singer-songwriter who has garnered widespread fame for her continuous image reinventions. She is the 25th richest songwriter of all time, having accrued an estimated net worth of $150 million. Gaga has penned numerous chart-topping singles since the inception of her music career and also has made a huge fortune with her works as a record producer, actress, and businesswoman.
For starring and providing a soundtrack for the critically acclaimed movie, A Star Is Born, the famed music artist received a Grammy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA, and an Academy Award. She has so far won a total of 11 Grammy Awards and also registered sales of more than 120 million records worldwide. Lady Gaga is best known for releasing commercially successful singles such as:
- Just Dance (2008)
- Poker Face (2008)
- Bad Romance (2009)
- Born This Way (2011)
- Shallow (2018)
24. Bob Dylan
Net Worth: $200 million
Date of Birth: May 24th, 1941
Born Robert Allen Zimmerman, Bob Dylan is one of the greatest and richest songwriters of all time. He has been present in the music industry for over five decades and has written fantastic songs that have turned out to be a commercial success. Following the release of his second album, ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’, the legendary singer had a career breakthrough and has gone on to sell more than 100 million records globally.
His decades-long career has been decorated with 10 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. More so, his extraordinary songwriting skill earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in the year 2016. He is an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The greatest songs written by Bob Dylan include:
- All I Really Want to Do (1964)
- Black Diamond Bay (1975)
- Changing of the Guards (1978)
- Dreamin’ of You (1997)
- Bye and Bye (2001)
23. Justin Timberlake
Net Worth: $250 million
Date of Birth: January 31st, 1981
Justin Timberlake is an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. He gained international recognition as one of the lead vocalists of the quintet boy band, NSYNC which is rated among the best-selling boy bands of all time. He has released several hit albums throughout his career and has recorded sales of more than 56 million singles and over 32 million albums worldwide. Thus, the singer-songwriter has emerged as one of the best-selling music artists in the world.
Like most songwriters on the list, Timberlake has not only gathered a net worth of $250 million from his music career alone but, has built an illustrious acting career over the years. He has starred in The Love Guru (2008), The Social Network (2010), Friends with Benefits (2011), and Trolls World Tour (2020). He is a recipient of 10 Grammy Awards, 9 Billboard Awards, 4 Emmy Awards, 3 Brit Awards, and the Contemporary Icon Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The music sensation has bagged these accolades with songs such as:
- Cry Me a River (2002)
- My Love (2006)
- SexyBack (2006)
- Mirrors (2013)
- Man of the Woods (2018)
22. Mariah Carey
Net Worth: $320 million
Date of Birth: March 27th, 1970
The golden-voiced diva, Mariah Carey has established several records since she kickstarted her music career in 1989. She is known for writing many of her songs with which she has made a net of $320 million. Aside from being ranked among the richest songwriters of all time, the music star is also one of the best-selling musicians in the world, as she has sold more than 200 million records globally. She has been recognized as the ’90s best-selling music artist in the world, as well as the best-selling pop female artist of the millennium by the World Music Awards.
More so, she is ranked as the second best-selling female artist by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), having sold more than 66 million units in the United States. With nineteen No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, she holds the record for the most No. 1 songs by a female songwriter, a soloist, and a female producer. Mariah has won several accolades throughout her career and they include 19 World Music Awards, 15 Billboard Music Awards, 5 Grammy Awards, and 10 American Music Awards. Some of the hits that got her inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame include:
- Hero (1993)
- All I Want For Christmas Is You (1994)
- Always Be My Baby (1996)
- We Belong Together (2005)
- Touch My Body (2008)
21. Taylor Swift
Net Worth: $365 million
Date of Birth: December 13th, 1989
International star, Taylor Swift is an acclaimed songwriter who often writes songs about her life experiences. With an estimated net worth of $365 million, she is the 21st richest songwriter of all time. She has been making waves as a country music artist since 2006 she released her self-titled debut studio album and has gone ahead to cement her place among the country music superstars by selling more than 200 million records worldwide.
Taylor is the youngest person to solely write and sing a No. 1 song (‘Our Song’) on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, as well as the youngest music artist to make the list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time by the Rolling Stone in 2015. She has received 10 Grammy Awards, 32 American Music Awards, 23 Billboard Music Awards, 12 Country Music Association Awards, and 7 Guinness World Records. She has also received accolades from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Association. Taylor Swift has made her net worth from writing commercially successful songs such as:
- Love Story (2008)
- Back to December (2010)
- I Knew You Were Trouble (2012)
- Bad Blood (2014)
- Cardigan (2020)
20. Toby Keith
Net Worth: $365 million
Date of Birth: July 8th, 1961
Toby Keith is a renowned country singer-songwriter whose hit song ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’ became the most played country song of the ’90s. He has so far released 19 studio albums and has sold more than 40 million albums globally. Sixty-one of his songs have charted on the Billboard Hot Country Song Chart, with 20 going No. 1 on the chart and 21 becoming top 10 hits. His No. 1 singles on the Hot Country Song Chart include:
- How Do You Like Me Now? (1999)
- I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight (2001)
- Beer for My Horses (2003)
- She Never Cried in Front of Me (2008)
- Made in America (2011)
19. Sting
Net Worth: $400 million
Date of Birth: October 2nd, 1951
English singer-songwriter and actor, Sting is the 19th richest songwriter of all time, as he has an estimated net worth of $400 million. From 1977 to 1984, he was famously known as the principal songwriter, as well as the lead singer of the rock band, The Police. Beginning his solo career in 1985, Sting has written many songs and has registered combined sales of over 100 million records globally including the record sales he made with the Police.
His songwriting talent has bagged him an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and equally the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some of the hit tracks that earned him the Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors include:
- Spread a Little Happiness (1982)
- We’ll Be Together (1987)
- All This Time (1991)
- Brand New Day (1999)
- Desert Rose (2000)
18. Jon Bon Jovi
Net Worth: $410 million
Date of Birth: March 2nd, 1962
John Francis Bongiovi Jr. whose professional name is Jon Bon Jovi has made headlines as the founder and the frontman of the rock band, Bon Jovi. Although he has released only two studio albums as a soloist, Jon has earned the majority of his wealth through his efforts with Bon Jovi as the band has made sales of more than 130 million albums worldwide. Aside from winning Grammy Award with his band, the accomplished record producer who has an estimated net worth of $410 million was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the year 2009. He is best recognized for creating hits such as:
- I’ll Be There For You (1989)
- Miracle (1990)
- Blaze of Glory (1990)
- Always (1994)
- Bounce (2002)
17. Beyoncé
Net Worth: $420 million
Date of Birth: September 4th, 1981
One of the world’s best-selling recording artists, Beyoncé is a singer and songwriter whose net worth is estimated at $420 million. She has influenced many young artists in the music industry and has won a total of 24 Grammy Awards, becoming the second female music artist with the most wins. She is the first African American woman to have won the Songwriter of the Year Award by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.
Queen Bey has sold over 100 million records across the globe, having dropped many world’s best-selling singles of all time which includes ‘Halo’ and ‘Irreplaceable’. With a total of 64 certifications, she became the most certified music artist of the 2000s decades according to the RIAA. The talented songwriter emerged as the highest-earning Black music artist in 2014 and has bolstered her earnings outside music by working as a film director, actress, and entrepreneur. She serves as the founder of Parkwood Entertainment and clothing line, Ivy Park. Over the years Beyoncé has released several No. 1 singles such as:
- Crazy in Love (2003)
- Check On It (2005)
- Irreplaceable (2006)
- Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (2008)
- Perfect (2017)
16. Celine Dion
Net Worth: $455 million
Date of Birth: March 30th, 1968
Canadian singer-songwriter, Celine Dion is the 16th richest songwriter of all time. She has written many international No. 1 hits from which she earns royalties to date. As such, it’s not surprising that she has an estimated net worth of $455 million. She made the vast of her wealth in the 1990s when she released several best-selling English Language albums that attained diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and they include ‘Falling Into You’ (1996) and Let’s Talk About Love (1997).
More so, the singer’s Taking Chances World Tour is regarded among the highest-grossing concert tours of all time, having earned about $279.2 million in revenue. Celine Dion’s greatest hits include:
- The Power of Love (1993)
- Because You Loved Me (1996)
- It’s All Coming Back to Me Now (1996)
- My Heart Will Go On (1997)
- A New Day Has Come (2002)
15. Mick Jagger
Net Worth: $500 million
Date of Birth: July 26th, 1943
Popularly known as the primary songwriter of the English rock band, The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger is tied with fellow rock stars, Bruce Springsteen and bandmate, Keith Richards, as well as Elton John with a net worth of $500 million. His band has sold more than 200 million records globally and is regarded among the best-selling music bands in the world. They have received three Grammy Awards along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mick and his bandmates are inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as the UK Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he has featured in Charlie Is My Darling (1966), Running Out of Luck (1987), and The Bank Job (2008). Jagger has written smash songs such as:
- As Tears Go By (1964)
- (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (1965)
- Paint It Black (1966)
- Dancing in the Street (1985)
- Just Another Night (1985)
14. Bruce Springsteen
Net Worth: $500 million
Date of Birth: September 23rd, 1949
One of the richest songwriters of all time, Bruce Springsteen has gained a reputation for penning socially conscious lyrics, as well as putting up zest performances. He is widely recognized as the leader of the rock band, E Street Band and also for his work as a soloist. He released one of the best-selling albums of all time, ‘Born in the U. S. A. in 1984 and it sold over 15 million units in the US. Hence, establishing Springsteen as one of the most successful rock artists in the world.
He has made sales of over 150 million records globally and has won 20 Grammy Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards, and 1 Academy Award. Some of the works that have landed him an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame include:
- Born to Run (1975)
- Atlantic City (1982)
- Glory Days (1985)
- Human Touch (1992)
- The Rising (2002)
13. Keith Richards
Net Worth: $500 million
Date of Birth: December 18th, 1943
Keith Richards is another founding member of the Rolling Stones who has also had great success as a songwriter. In his music career that has spanned over 50 years, he has written top ten hits for the English band. As such, Richards and his bandmates have been ranked among the best-selling music artists of all time. They have sold over 200 million records worldwide and equally, have the record for the fifth highest-grossing concert tours of all time.
The band has gained induction into the UK Hall of Fame, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while Keith Richards is also an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has written songs such as:
- The Last Time (1965)
- You Got The Silver (1969)
- Coming Down Again (1973)
- All About You (1980)
- Slipping Away (1989)
12. Elton John
Net Worth: $500 million
Date of Birth: March 25th, 1947
One of the greatest songwriters in the history of music, Elton John has released more than 30 studio albums throughout his music career. He has made sales of over 300 million records globally. Hence, he is ranked among the best-selling musicians in the world. He began a three year Farewell Tour in 2018 and grossed $212 million in 2019. His net worth is estimated at $500 million as he has mostly made his wealth through music.
Over the years, Elton John has made the bulk of his wealth from composing musical films and theaters including blockbuster, The Lion King. He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and equally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The singer-songwriter has bagged 5 Grammy Awards and 10 Ivor Novello Awards with smash songs such as:
- That’s What Friends Are For (1987)
- Sacrifice (1991)
- Basque (1992)
- Can You Feel The Love Tonight (1995)
- Candle in the Wind (1997)
11. Madonna
Net Worth: $550 million
Date of Birth: August 16th, 1958
Queen of Pop, Madonna is one of the richest songwriters of all time. Her influence in popular culture can never be underestimated as she serves as an influence to many famous music artists such as Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Shakira. She currently has a net worth of $550 million which is a far cry compared to her 2019 estimated net worth of $800 million. Throughout her music career, the pop diva has made an estimated $1.2 billion from music tours and hence, emerged as the highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time.
She is also ranked as the 20th-century best-selling female rock artist, as well as the third female artist with the highest-certified albums in the United States according to the RIAA, as she has a record of 64.5 million certified albums. The gifted singer holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling female musician of all time, having sold over 300 million records globally. She has received 7 Grammy Awards and 20 MTV Video Music Awards. Madonna has showcased her songwriting prowess with hits such as:
- La Isla Bonita (1987)
- Like a Prayer (1989)
- Vogue (1990)
- Frozen (1998)
- 4 Minutes (2008)
10. Rihanna
Net Worth: $600 million
Date of Birth: February 20th, 1988
Rihanna is the 10th richest songwriter of all time and the richest female musician in the United States as of 2020. She has gained a reputation for writing most of her songs since the inception of her music career. As one of the best-selling musicians in the world, the pop diva has sold more than 250 million records globally. She is the first music artist to have gained over 100 million gold and platinum song certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. She has so far released fourteen No. 1 hits, as well as thirty-one top 10 charting singles in the United States.
As such, her music career has been decorated with numerous accolades. They include 9 Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, 13 American Music Awards, 8 People’s Choice Awards, and 6 Guinness World Records. The accomplished singer has also earned from other side ventures as she is the founder of the cosmetic brand, Fenty Beauty and fashion house, Fenty. She has starred in movies such as Battleship (2012) and Ocean’s 8 (2018). Her best-selling songs include:
- Umbrella (2007)
- Disturbia (2008)
- Rude Boy (2010)
- Diamonds (2012)
- Work (2016)
9. Julio Iglesias
Net Worth: $600 million
Date of Birth: September 23rd, 1943
Julio Iglesias is a popular singer and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the best-selling recording artists in the world. He has sold over 100 million records in 14 languages across the globe and has been dubbed the world’s most commercially successful continental European singer. Throughout his music career that has lasted over 6 decades, the acclaimed Spanish singer has performed in over five thousand concerts, entertaining more than 60 million people in five continents.
In addition to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Enrique Iglesias’ father has won many awards including Grammy, Billboard Music Award, World Music Award, and American Music Award. Some of his commercially successful singles include:
- Gwendolyne (1970)
- Ou est Passé ma bohème? (1979)
- Begin the Beguine (1981)
- To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before (1984)
- All of You (1984)
8. Dolly Parton
Net Worth: $600 million
Date of Birth: January 19th, 1946
Queen of country music, Dolly Parton has achieved tremendous success as a songwriter. She has been credited with over 3,000 songs and thus, has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Widely regarded among the most honored female country performers in the world, Parton has released 110 charting singles and sold over 100 million records worldwide.
More so, she has released forty-four top 10 country albums, with 26 of her songs peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts. Her $600 million net worth has been accrued from penning smash songs such as:
- Coat of Many Colors (1971)
- Jolene (1973)
- I Will Always Love You (1974)
- 9 to 5 (1980)
- Cowgirls Don’t Cry (2009)
7. Bono
Net Worth: $700 million
Date of Birth: May 10th, 1960
Irish singer-songwriter, Paul David Hewson who is known by the stage name, Bono is among the richest songwriters of all time. He has an estimated net worth of $700 million which he mostly accumulated through his work as the primary lyricist and lead vocalist of the popular rock band, U2. He has received 22 Grammy Awards with his bandmates and equally a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
The band has dropped 14 studio albums and has sold about 150 million-170 million records globally. Bono is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. He has often collaborated with his U2 bandmate, Edge to provide soundtracks for films including Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. The U2 lyricist has penned songs such as:
- Gloria (1981)
- I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (1987)
- Desire (1988)
- Beautiful Day (2000)
- Anything in Its Way (2017)
6. Dr. Dre
Net Worth: $820 million
Date of Birth: February 18th, 1965
Born, Andre Romelle Young, Dr. Dre is a rapper whose artistry has influenced many young rappers, having revolutionized the hip hop industry. He has released three studio albums and his solo debut studio album earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for the single ‘Let Me Ride’. As a record producer, Dre has produced albums for many rappers such as 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, The Game, and Xzibit.
As a result, his talent has landed him a Grammy Award for the Producer of the Year and he has won a total of six Grammy Awards. In addition to earning from songwriting gigs, Dr. Dre is an entrepreneur who serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aftermath Entertainment. His company, Beat Electronics was purchased by Apple for $3 billion in the year 2014 and this accounts for his staggering net worth of $820 million. The rapper’s award-winning songs include:
- Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang (1993)
- Let Me Ride (1994)
- Keep Their Heads Ringin’ (1995)
- Forgot About Dre (2001)
- I Need a Doctor (2012)
5. Herb Alpert
Net Worth: $850 million
Date of Birth: March 31st, 1935
With a net worth of $850 million, renowned trumpeter, Herb Alpert sits fifth on our list of 25 richest songwriters of all time. He has established himself in the music industry through his successful endeavors as a composer, songwriter, singer, trumpeter, arranger, and record producer. Alpert is widely recognized as the lead vocalist of Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. He has made sales of over 70 million records globally and thus far, has a record of 14 platinum-certified albums and 15 gold-certified albums.
Also, he has 28 albums on the Billboard Album Chart, with 5 peaking at No. 1. Consequently, he emerged as the only music artist to have a No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 as both a vocalist and an instrumentalist. He is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and some of his commercially successful songs include:
- A Taste of Honey (1965)
- Casino Royale (1967)
- This Guy’s in Love with You (1968)
- Rise (1979)
- Diamonds (1987)
4. P Diddy
Net Worth: $885 million
Date of Birth: November 4th, 1969
Founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean John Combs, professionally known as P Diddy is ranked among the richest songwriters of all time, having made a name for himself as a rapper, songwriter, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur. He has been active in the entertainment industry for over two decades and has released many hit albums such as ‘No Way Out’ (1997), ‘Forever’ (1999), ‘Press Play’ (2006), and ‘Last Train to Paris’ (2010). He has also produced songs for many artists including Faith Evans, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Burna Boy.
He has thus far received 3 Grammy Awards and 2 MTV Video Music Awards. Diddy has also made headlines for his exploits in the business world as he serves as the founder of the popular clothing label, Sean John, and equally has a major equity stake in Revolt TV, as well as the Cîroc vodka brand. His best-known songs include:
- I’ll Be Missing You (1997)
- Been Around the World (1998)
- I Need a Girl (2002)
- Shake Ya Tailfeather (2003)
- Coming Home (2010)
3. Jay-Z
Net Worth: $1 billion
Date of Birth: December 4th, 1969
American songwriter, rapper, record executive and businessman, Shawn Carter (aka Jay-Z) is the 3rd richest songwriter of all time as he comfortably sits on an estimated net worth of $1 billion. This made him the first hip hop billionaire in June 2019. He has made sales of more than 50 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide. As such, he is regarded among the best-selling music artists in the world and has claimed 22 Grammy Awards.
Jay-Z has equally encountered incredible success as a businessman. He serves as the founder of multi-million dollar corporations like 40/40 Club and Rocawear. He is also among the co-owners of the media streaming service, Tidal, and entertainment company, Roc Nation. The rapper has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for penning hits such as:
- Hard Knock Life (1998)
- ’03 Bonnie & Clyde (2002)
- Encore (2003)
- Empire State of Mind (2009)
- Holy Grail (2013)
2. Andrew Lloyd Webber
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Date of Birth: March 22nd, 1948
Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most commercially successful composers of all time. He has amassed an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion from composing more than 20 musicals that have been performed both on Broadway and in the West End for over a decade. His career as a composer and impresario of musical theatre has not only gained him massive wealth but has attained him mainstream recognition as he is among the sixteen people to have received a Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award.
He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as the American Theater Hall of Fame. He equally received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Andrew Lloyd Webber is famously known for composing commercially successful musicals such as:
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream oat (1968)
- Evita (1976)
- Jesus Christ Superstar (1970)
- The Phantom of the Opera (1986)
- School of Rock (2015)
1. Paul McCartney
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Date of Birth: June 18th, 1942
English singer, songwriter, and record producer, Paul McCartney had the most successful songwriting career when he was a member of the Beatles and partnered with John Lennon. He is the richest songwriter of all time, though he is tied with Andrew Lloyd Webber with the same net worth. McCartney still makes a huge fortune through royalties as he has been earning from songs he composed with his bandmates and equally in his solo career. Some of the Beatles songs have been covered by many music artists and are regarded among the most covered songs in music history. They include ‘Eleanor Rigby’, ‘Yesterday’, and ‘And I Love Her’.
About 32 of the songs Paul McCartney has composed or co-written have peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hit 100. He has since recorded sales of over 25 million units that have been certified by the RIAA. Regarded among the most successful composers in the world, the self-taught instrumentalist has won 18 Grammy Awards and is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. His popularly known hits include:
- Beware My Love (1976)
- Goodnight Tonight (1987)
- Teddy Boy (1996)
- Bluebird (2008)
- I Don’t Know (2018)
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