The Richest Songwriters In Music, Ranked

Look at the music industry rich list, and you’ll always find those who know how to pen a winning melody at the top. Yes, the real money isn’t in performing but actually in songwriting. And some of the wealthiest hitmakers are talented enough to do both. Others, meanwhile, have never set foot on a stage themselves. But who exactly are the ultimate earners? Here’s a look at the top 40 – all of whom have passed the $100 million mark – and the list includes a few names that may surprise you...

40. Brian Wilson ($100 million)

Brian Wilson produced, managed and wrote songs for one of the most harmony-laden groups of the 1960s, The Beach Boys. His complex arrangements on the likes of the seminal Pet Sounds LP have inspired generations of musicians from all different genres over the years. And the troubled genius has also enjoyed Grammy-winning success as a solo artist.

39. Diane Warren ($100 million)

You might not necessarily know her name, but you will undoubtedly be familiar with Diane Warren’s work. After co-writing Starship’s 1987 chart-topper “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” the hitmaker went on to pen other epic movie tie-ins for the likes of Aerosmith, Celine Dion and Faith Hill. Warren has bagged no fewer than ten Academy Award nods during her glittering career. Yet sadly, she’s yet to win one of those coveted statuettes.

38. Stevie Wonder ($110 million)

Although in 2020 at the tender age of 70 he went his own way, Stevie Wonder had been a fixture of Motown Records since he was 11 years old. The musical maestro later established himself as a soul legend thanks to hugely influential albums such as Songs in the Key of Life and Innervisions. Wonder’s songwriting pedigree has also been recognized by the Grammy Awards on no fewer than 25 occasions, making him the most successful solo male in its history.

37. Chris Martin ($130 million)

Chris Martin would be much higher up this list had he not entered into an admirable pact early on his career. Although he’s been solely responsible for all of Coldplay’s stadium-friendly hits, the frontman agreed to share their royalties equally with the rest of his bandmates. Still, $130 million is certainly nothing to be sniffed at.