Back in 1987, Lou Reed told an interviewer “I wanted to write the great American novel, but I also loved rock & roll…I wanted to write rock & roll that you could listen to as you got older, that wouldn’t lose anything, that would be timeless, in the subject matter and the literacy of the lyrics.” And so it was.
before he embarked on his solo career, Reed was part of the rock n’ roll band, The Velvets. Although they didn’t receive much commercial success, they grew to be appreciated over time as one of the first bands to introduce “mature” topics to the genre like drug abuse, unconventional sex, and even death.
$25 million
Everybody knows the legendary Willie Nelson, either for his music, his acting, his activism, or all of the above. Nelson is known for being one of the fathers of 'outlaw country', a country music sub-genre that started in the 60s as a protest to the conservative Nashville sound. Nelson became one of the most famous country artists in country music after his massively successful albums, 'Shotgun Willie' (1973), 'Red Headed Stranger' (1975), 'Stardust' (1978).
Nelson has won several Grammys, AMAs, CMAs, ACMs and even a Gershwin Prize. The country music star has also been a devoted activist, co-written many books, and acted in more than 30 films.
$365 Million
Toby Keith Covel is an American country singer, songwriter, and record producer. Hailed as a "traditionalist" in the genre, he's quiet the modern cowboy. His first four studio albums have all earned Gold or higher certification, and he's made several Top Ten singles, including his single "Should've Been a Cowboy", which topped the charts and was the most-played country song of the 90s. It's reported that the song has received over 3 million spins since its release, according to Broadcast Music Incorporated. His next three albums, Pull My Chain, Unleashed, and Shock'n Y'all, were certified 4 times Platinum.
F Throughout Keith's career he's released 19 studio albums, 2 Christmas albums, and 5 compilation albums; with a total worldwide sales of over 40 million albums. He has charted 61 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, which includes 20 number one hits (and 21 additional top 10 hits). As of today, he ranks as the 13th richest singer in the world, with a net worth of $365 million, although some report that he's net worth is actually closer to $500 million.
$100 Million
Paul McCartney, who is a god to many younger musicians, that Smokey Robinson was like God in his and his band members' eyes." Robinson is the voice and penman behind some of Motown's greatest hits and is credited as one of the most influential and R&B tunesmiths of all time.
Robinson is an elegant, and graceful singer, and a talented writer who Bob Dylan once called his favorite poet. Once he wrote "My Girl" and "Get Ready" for Temptations the rest is history.
$180 Million
Dylan is famous for his witty lyrics and unrefined voice, and is widely considered one of the most prolific singers and songwriters of the last century. He's penned and performed classic songs like "Blowing in the Wind,", "Like a Rolling Stone," and "The Times They are A Changing," which have become anthems for civil rights and anti-war movements. While Dylan's song catalog seems to be never ending, he receives most of his fortune from royalty payments from contemporary artists who perform his songs.
Usually equipped with only his guitar, harmonica, and iconic voice, Dylan has released 37 albums, 13 of which hit number one on the Billboard charts. Dylan has been honored with 11 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. And of course he's been inducted is various musical Hall of Fames. It's no wonder Bob Dylan was named one of the Most Important People of the Century by “Time” magazine. At 77, Dyla and shows no signs of slowing down, and continues to tour and release albums that defy expectations.