Find Out Which Songwriters Are Making Bank

Published on 12/22/2020
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John Fogerty – $70 million

Greatest Hits: Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son

John Fogerty had both a successful solo career and a great career as a part of Creedence Clearwater Revival, a band he and his brother Tom, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook created. He was the lead singer, writer, and several albums. The band, unfortunately, split up in 1972, beginning a brilliant solo career. Rolling Stone put him #40 and #72 in the 100 Finest Guitarists and Greatest Singers of all time (respectively). He has written several songs, including “Proud Mary,” which Tina Turner returns to an enduring bop tune.

John Fogerty

John Fogerty

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Willie Nelson – $25 million

Greatest Hits: Family Bible, On the Road Again

Songwriter, a musician, and performer Willie Nelson, born in Texas, earned his first break by releasing Shotgun Willie. That, plus his albums Red Headed Stranger and Stardust, made him an iconic character of the 1970s. He also appeared in thirty films, published several novels, and served as an activist to legalize marijuana and utilize biofuels. He’s also known for launching The IRS Recordings, a double album that went to the IRS to pay off his outstanding tax debt.

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson

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