Brian Wilson – $75 million
Greatest Hits: Good Vibrations, I Get Around, God Only Knows, Barbara Ann
Brian Wilson co-founded the Beach Boys. Signed in 1962 to Capitol, he wrote over twenty-four of the band’s top 40 hits. He is considered one of the twentieth century’s most creative songwriters, and some say he is a genius. He founded the Beach Boys, along with his brothers and cousin. Wilson still tours occasionally and is considered an indie pop and punk godfather. Although artists gained a lot from their influence, initiating his melodies and orchestrations proved to be difficult.
John Fogerty – $70 million
Greatest Hits: Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son
John Fogerty was a talented solo artist and an integral part of the Creedence Clearwater Revival, a group he formed with his brother Tom, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook. He was the composer, the lead singer, and the main songwriter. The band broke apart in 1972, and each went on a successful solo career. He was ranked as a great guitarist and singer by Rolling Stone (respectively). Including “Proud Mary,” which Tina Turner puts back into an iconic bop song, he has penned several hits.