Dolly Parton – $500 million
Greatest Hits: Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5
Dolly Parton has written over 3,000 songs, in addition to being a popular singer. Whitney Houston wrote “I Will Always Love You,” and almost every popular artist covered that song. Interviewed about her songwriting, she said that she began writing when she was just seven years old. She said she tries to write something every day, whether it’s a poem, a concept, an album, or a little tidbit. Her folk childhood influenced her through a profound religious tradition in the Appalachian Mountains. She won 35 BMI Awards.

Dolly Parton – $500 Million
Tom Petty – $95 million
Greatest Hits: Here Comes My Girl, Refugee, Don’t Do Me Like That
One of the best-selling artists ever was Tom Petty, a musician. He became interested in rock and roll when he met Elvis Presley, who was ten years old. His version of punk rock, The Rolling Stones, also influenced him. He formed an unsuccessful Mudcrutch Band. But Tom Petty’s formation and the Heartbreakers turned out to be a game-changer. The group was formed in the 1970s by Petty, and their second album reached the Top40. Their third album, with two million copies and singles sold, was even better.

Tom Petty – $95 Million