One Song, Big Money: 10 Musicians Still Making Six Figures From a Single Hit

One Song, Big Money: 10 Musicians Still Making Six Figures From a Single Hit

Imagine earning hundreds of thousands of dollars every single year from just one song you wrote decades ago.

For some musicians, that dream became reality when they created tracks so memorable that they still bring in massive paychecks today.

These artists may not dominate the charts anymore, but their bank accounts tell a different story thanks to streaming services, radio play, movie soundtracks, and commercials that keep their biggest hits alive and profitable.

1. Slade – “Merry Christmas Everybody”

British rockers Slade hit the jackpot when they recorded this cheerful holiday anthem back in 1973.

Financial experts estimate the song generates up to £1 million every single year, making band members very happy during the holiday season and beyond.

The track reliably climbs UK charts each December, guaranteeing fresh royalty payments.

Decades of nonstop radio airplay across Britain have turned this three-minute song into a pension plan that never stops paying.

With tens of millions earned over the years, “Merry Christmas Everybody” proves that seasonal music can create generational wealth from just one recording session.

2. The Knack – “My Sharona”

Released in 1979, this infectious rock anthem still pumps six-figure annual paychecks into band members’ accounts more than four decades later.

The driving guitar riff and catchy chorus have made “My Sharona” a permanent fixture on classic-rock radio stations everywhere.

Hollywood directors keep calling too, featuring the song in major films and television shows.

Advertisers love its energetic vibe for commercials, while streaming platforms deliver millions of plays monthly.

Band members have openly discussed how this single track continues supporting their lifestyles.

The combination of radio rotation, licensing deals, and digital streams creates a financial formula that shows no signs of slowing down.

3. a-ha – “Take On Me”

That unforgettable synthesizer intro and sky-high vocals created magic in 1985, and the money hasn’t stopped flowing since.

While a-ha released other music, “Take On Me” completely overshadows everything else in their catalog when it comes to earnings.

The song’s groundbreaking animated music video remains iconic, helping it rack up hundreds of millions of streaming views.

This Norwegian trio’s combined net worth sits around $60 million, with this single track responsible for the lion’s share.

Licensing agreements for movies, TV shows, and advertisements keep adding zeros to their bank statements.

The song perfectly captures 80s nostalgia while remaining fresh enough for new generations to discover and love.

4. Wham! – “Last Christmas”

Every December, George Michael’s estate and bandmate Andrew Ridgeley watch the money roll in like clockwork.

“Last Christmas” reportedly pulls in over £300,000 annually from countless sources including radio stations, streaming platforms, and shopping mall speakers worldwide.

The holiday classic has become such a reliable cash machine that it re-enters charts year after year.

Movie soundtracks and TV commercials love licensing this festive tune, adding even more revenue streams.

What started as a 1984 release has transformed into a financial gift that truly keeps on giving, making it one of the most profitable seasonal songs ever recorded.

5. Psy – “Gangnam Style”

When this Korean pop sensation uploaded his quirky music video in 2012, nobody predicted it would become YouTube’s first billion-view video and a global phenomenon.

The viral explosion translated directly into massive paychecks from YouTube advertising revenue alone, not counting endorsement deals and licensing agreements.

Psy’s estimated $60 million fortune stems largely from this single track’s unprecedented success.

The song’s goofy horse-riding dance became a worldwide craze, getting performed everywhere from weddings to corporate events.

Even today, “Gangnam Style” continues generating income through streaming platforms and nostalgic throwback playlists.

The track proved that internet virality could create serious, lasting wealth for artists who catch lightning in a bottle.

6. Sir Mix-A-Lot – “Baby Got Back”

Few songs have embedded themselves into pop culture quite like this 1992 hip-hop classic celebrating curvy figures.

Sir Mix-A-Lot built an estimated $30 million net worth primarily from this one track’s incredible staying power across multiple revenue streams.

Radio stations still play it regularly, while the song gets referenced constantly in movies and TV shows.

When Nicki Minaj sampled it heavily for “Anaconda,” those royalty checks got even fatter.

The rapper has spoken openly about how this single song changed his financial life forever.

Commercials, parodies, and wedding DJs keep the money flowing, proving that sometimes one brilliant idea can fund an entire career and comfortable retirement.

7. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Achy Breaky Heart”

Country music and line dancing exploded together in 1992, and this catchy tune sat right at the center of that cultural moment.

The song’s simple, infectious melody and dance-friendly beat created a phenomenon that still pays dividends today.

Billy Ray Cyrus’s estimated $20 million net worth traces back primarily to this breakthrough hit.

Wedding receptions, country bars, and nostalgia-themed events keep the song in constant rotation, generating steady licensing fees.

The track launched Cyrus into stardom and opened doors for his entire family, including daughter Miley.

Decades later, “Achy Breaky Heart” remains his signature achievement and primary income source, proving that sometimes being remembered for one great song beats having multiple forgotten albums.

8. Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby”

Love it or hate it, this 1990 hip-hop track made history as the first rap song to top Billboard’s mainstream charts.

Despite early controversy over sampling Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure,” the song continues generating royalties that support Vanilla Ice’s roughly $12 million net worth.

Nostalgia tours keep him performing the hit to packed crowds who want to relive their youth.

Television shows and movies frequently license the track for comedic effect or period authenticity.

Radio stations serving audiences who grew up in the 90s maintain it in rotation.

The combination of media licensing, streaming income, and live performances proves this controversial hit has serious financial legs.

9. Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”

This cheerful a cappella anthem from 1988 became an instant worldwide phenomenon with its simple message and whistled melody.

The song’s universal appeal made it perfect for countless commercials, films, and television shows seeking uplifting background music.

Bobby McFerrin’s estimated $5 million net worth relies heavily on this single composition’s enduring popularity.

Radio stations love its positive vibes, while advertisers pay handsomely to associate their brands with its carefree spirit.

The track won multiple Grammy Awards and became McFerrin’s calling card despite his extensive jazz career.

Its continued presence in popular culture guarantees steady royalty checks, showing how one brilliant, simple idea can provide financial security for life.

10. Don McLean – “American Pie”

Clocking in at over eight minutes, this 1971 folk-rock epic tells the story of rock and roll’s evolution through cryptic, poetic lyrics.

Don McLean’s masterpiece has become one of the most licensed songs in music history, reportedly earning hundreds of thousands annually.

The track appears constantly in films, documentaries, and commercials wanting to evoke American nostalgia.

McLean’s $50 million net worth stems overwhelmingly from this single composition’s incredible cultural impact and commercial value.

Generations of music fans have debated the song’s mysterious lyrics, keeping it relevant across decades.

Radio stations treat it as essential classic rock programming, while streaming platforms introduce it to younger listeners, ensuring the royalties never stop flowing.