Dolly Parton – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5
Dolly Parton has written over 3,000 songs, apart from being a popular singer. She wrote “I Will Always Love You” to Whitney Houston, and nearly every artist covered this song. She said that she started writing when she was only 7 years old and interviewed her about her songwriting. She said she tries to write something every day, “whether it’s a poem, concept, album, or little tidbit.” In the Appalachian Mountains, she was influenced by her folk childhood with a deep religious tradition.
Dolly Parton
Tom Petty – $95 million
Greatest Hits: Here Comes My Girl, Refugee, Don’t Do Me Like That
Musician Tom Petty has been one of the best sellers ever. When he met Elvis Presley, 10 years old, he became interested in rock and roll. The Rolling Stones, his own version of punk rock, also influenced him. He formed the failed Mudcrutch band. However, the formation of Tom Petty and Heartbreakers has proven to be a game-changer. Petty formed the band in the 1970s and reached his second album to the Top 40. His third album, which sold two million copies and sold singles, was even more successful.
Tom Petty