Introduction

Musicians making massive royalties isn’t just about chart-toppers. Many unexpected artists quietly earn millions of dollars yearly from licensing, publishing, and streaming. Here’s a list that will surprise you completely!

When it comes to musicians making massive royalties, most people think of global superstars like Taylor Swift or Drake. However, behind the scenes, a surprising number of artists are earning huge sums from royalties without always making headlines. Here’s a look at 20 Musicians making massive royalties quietly cashing in big time!

1. Enya

The Irish singer-songwriter leads a reclusive life but reportedly earns millions annually through royalties from her calming, ethereal music, which is used in movies, advertisements, and on the radio.

2. Dolly Parton

Besides being a country icon, Dolly earns huge royalties, especially from “I Will Always Love You,” which Whitney Houston famously covered.

3. Billy Joel

Billy no longer tours regularly, but his classic hits generate massive royalty checks from radio play, streaming, and licensing deals.

4. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)

Pink Floyd’s timeless music ensures that Gilmour continues to enjoy a consistent stream of royalty income decades after the band’s peak fame.

5. Gordon Lightfoot

Although not often in the headlines, his songs, such as “If You Could Read My Mind,” are continuously covered and licensed worldwide.

6. Mike Love (The Beach Boys)

As a principal songwriter for many Beach Boys hits, Love still earns big bucks from the band’s endless popularity.

7. Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac)

Fleetwood Mac’s streaming resurgence has skyrocketed Buckingham’s royalty earnings thanks to his critical role in songwriting.

8. Gloria Estefan

Estefan’s music catalogue is a licensing goldmine for commercials, TV shows, and movies, significantly padding her royalties.

9. Paul Anka

Known for “My Way,” famously sung by Frank Sinatra, Anka’s songwriting prowess continues to generate substantial royalty income.

10. Tracy Chapman

With the recent success of “Fast Car,” Tracy Chapman’s royalties have reached an all-time high, a notable achievement that has surprised many.

11. Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)

Dire Straits’ classic tracks, such as “Sultans of Swing” and “Money for Nothing,” ensure Knopfler’s royalty streams stay strong.

12. Tom Scholz (Boston)

Scholz, the technical mastermind behind Boston’s sound, earns substantial royalties from airplay and music licensing.

13. Alanis Morissette

Her ’90s megahit album “Jagged Little Pill” continues to generate substantial royalties, especially after the musical adaptation.

14. Björk

Björk’s experimental music is a favourite for licensing in niche films and artistic projects, creating steady royalties.

15. Steve Perry (Journey)

“Don’t Stop Believin’ alone makes Steve Perry a fortune in royalties thanks to its anthemic, evergreen popularity.

16. Robbie Robertson (The Band)

Although low-key compared to modern pop stars, Robertson’s songwriting ensures a steady stream of royalty income.

17. Rick Astley

Thanks to the viral “Rickrolling” phenomenon, Rick Astley’s song royalties experienced an unexpected surge in the digital era.

18. Shania Twain

The Queen of country pop, Twain’s songs continue to be streamed in massive numbers, maintaining her high royalty income.

19. Yusuf / Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens’ reflective songs have remained timeless, ensuring steady royalty earnings through licensing.

20. Chris Isaak

His iconic “Wicked Game” continues to feature in movies, TV, and ads, making Isaak a quiet royalty king.

Many of these musicians making massive royalties prove that you don’t have to dominate today’s charts to build a royalty empire. Smart licensing, timeless songs, and innovative catalogue management are the keys to steady, massive incomes.

The music industry may constantly change, but great songwriting and owning a master’s degree remain a golden ticket to lasting wealth.