Many factors can contribute to an artist becoming a millionaire, such as album sales, merchandise, touring, and endorsements.
However, having a hit song that dominates the charts and becomes a cultural phenomenon can also be a significant factor in an artist’s financial success. Here are seven songs that made their artists millionaires.
Happy – Pharrell Williams (2013)
“Happy” became a massive hit and was featured in the movie Despicable Me 2. The song spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Williams an estimated $25 million in royalties.
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston (1992)
Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You” became a massive hit in 1992. The song was featured in The Bodyguard and spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Houston earned an estimated $10 million in royalties from the song.
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars (2014)
Uptown Funk” was a massive hit and spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song earned an estimated $16 million royalties for both Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars.
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson (1983)
“Billie Jean” was a massive hit and helped propel Michael Jackson to superstardom. The song spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Jackson an estimated $20 million in royalties.
Baby One More Time – Britney Spears (1998)
“Baby One More Time” was a massive hit and helped launch Britney Spears’ career. The song spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Spears an estimated $10 million in royalties.
Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi (1986)
“Livin’ on a Prayer” became a massive hit and is now considered one of Bon Jovi’s signature songs. The song spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped the band earn an estimated $130 million in total earnings.
The shape of You – Ed Sheeran (2017)
“Shape of You” became one of Ed Sheeran’s biggest hits and spent 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song earned an estimated $20 million in royalties for Sheeran.
Having a hit song can be a significant factor in an artist’s financial success. These seven songs are just a few examples of how a single track can help an artist become a millionaire.
