Dolly Parton – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5
Besides becoming a famous musician, Dolly Parton published over 3,000 albums. Whitney Houston sang, “I Will Always Love You,” and almost every famous artist covered that tune. Interviewed regarding her songwriting, she said she began writing when she was just seven. She said she’s striving to compose something every day,” whether it’s a poem, concept, song, or little tidbit. She’s been inspired by her folky upbringing with a strong religious heritage in the Appalachian Mountains.
Dolly Parton
Tom Petty – $95 million
Greatest Hits: Here Comes My Girl, Refugee, Don’t Do Me Like That
Musician Tom Petty was one of the best-selling musicians ever. He got involved in rock and roll after he encountered ten-year-old Elvis Presley. He was often inspired by The Rolling Stones, his own interpretation of punk rock. He founded the disastrous Mudcrutch band. But Tom Petty’s band and the Heartbreakers turned out to be a game-changer.
Tom Petty
