Find Out Which Songwriters Are Making Bank

Published on 12/22/2020
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George Harrison – $400 million

Greatest Hits: Taxman, Here Comes the Sun

George Harrison was The Beatles’ lead guitarist and was called “the Quiet Beatle” though he wasn’t one of their more prominent members (as opposed to McCartney or Lennon). (Unlike McCartney, Lennon). He wrote several of the band’s songs, including Here Comes the Light, “Taxman,” “Something,” etc. His creative influences include George Formby, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Django Reinhardt. He was also influenced by Indian culture and music, evolving pop music to involve Indian instruments and Hindu spirituality in the band’s work.

George Harrison

George Harrison

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Sam Cooke – $650,000

Greatest Hits: Wonderful World, Chain Gang, A Change is Gonna Come

He was also an influential songwriter. His pop culture influence and famous voice dubbed him “King of Soul.” He began performing when he was young, leading The Soul Stirrers before his later solo career. He helped Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack, Billy Preston, Marvin Gaye, and several more.

Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke

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