James Brown will forever be known for changing the pop songwriting game and also as the father of funk music. During the 60s and early 70s, he practically reinvented song-form itself, as he was a masterful arranger and composer.
Brown also came up with his renowned way of exhorting lyrics, which would eventually become hip-hop and dance music. He had an astonishing net worth of $100 million at the time of his death in 2006. Michael Jackson had been cited on several occasions as crediting Brown as his ultimate musical influence.
$10 Million
Melissa Viviane Jefferson, more famously known as Lizzo, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, and flutist. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Houston, Texas, where this 31-year-old multi-talented artist began her career as a performing artist.
Besides being a hit songwriter and a classically trained flutist, which she often incorporates into her live performances, she's also quite the dancer. Some even call her "the next Beyonce." She sure has the skills, so she's well on her way. And with an estimated net worth of $10 million, the people seem to love what she has to offer. Go Lizzo!
$55 million
Spanning over seven decades of fame and success, we have the legendary Paul Simon. It all began in 1956 with Art Garfunkel as Simon & Garfunkel (which was originally Tom & Jerry). Simon was on point for writing almost all of their songs, including the ones that reached number one on the charts: "The Sound of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", and "Bridge over Troubled Water".
Among many accolades, and an amazing 16 Grammys, Paul Simon was the first person to get the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. In 1986, he was given an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. He currently sits on the Board of Trustees there.
$700 million
Best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of rock band U2, is the famous Bono. During U2's first couple of years, Bono's lyrics gave to the group's rebellious and spiritual tone. As the band grew, his lyrics became more inspired by personal experiences. As a member of U2, he has received 22 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Outside of U2, he has also recorded with numerous artists. He’s collaborated with U2 bandmate the Edge on many projects, including: songs for Roy Orbison and Tina Turner; the soundtracks to the musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and a London stage adaptation of A Clockwork Orange. Entertainment aside, he is also the Managing Director and a Managing Partner of the firm Elevation Partners, which as a private equity, has invested in many companies.
$13 Million
Christopher Breaux, most famously known as Frank Ocean is a singer, songwriter, and rapper from Long Beach, California. His debut studio album Channel Orange (2012) was well-received, reaching #1 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart (and #2 on the Billboard 200). It also did well in the international markets, reaching #2 in Denmark and #3 in Canada. His most popular singles include "Novacane", "Thinkin' Bout You", and "Pyramids."
Ocean has written for some of the biggest names in the business including, Beyonce, Nas, John Legend, Justin Bieber, and Brandy.