Jade Reed
14 Musicians Who Wrote Amazing Songs for Other Artists
Some of the biggest hits in music history weren’t sung by the people who wrote them. Many famous musicians have penned incredible songs that became chart-toppers for other artists. This hidden side of the music industry shows just how talented these songwriters really are, proving that writing a great song is an art form all its own.
1. Prince
Before becoming a global icon himself, Prince was already crafting hits for other stars.
He wrote “Manic Monday” for The Bangles, which became their biggest hit in 1986.
The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased his ability to write catchy pop-rock tunes.
Prince also penned “Nothing Compares 2 U” for Sinead O’Connor.
Her haunting version became one of the most memorable songs of the 1990s.
His songwriting genius extended beyond his own performances.
Prince understood how to tailor songs perfectly for different artists’ voices and styles, making him one of music’s most versatile creators.
2. Sia
Australian powerhouse Sia initially found success behind the scenes, writing for pop’s biggest names.
She penned “Diamonds” for Rihanna, which became a worldwide smash hit in 2012.
The song showcased her gift for creating emotional, soaring melodies that connect with millions.
Sia also wrote “Pretty Hurts” for Beyoncé and “Perfume” for Britney Spears.
Each track demonstrated her range across different pop styles.
Her distinctive songwriting voice—vulnerable yet powerful—translates beautifully whether she’s performing or writing for others.
Today, she’s recognized as one of pop music’s most talented and in-demand songwriters in the industry.
3. Burt Bacharach & Hal David
This legendary duo created some of the most sophisticated pop songs ever recorded.
Together, they wrote “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer” for Dionne Warwick, establishing her career.
Their complex melodies and heartfelt lyrics set them apart from other songwriters of their era.
They also composed “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” for B.J. Thomas, which won an Academy Award.
The song’s optimistic melody perfectly captured the spirit of its time.
Bacharach’s unusual chord progressions combined with David’s poetic words created a signature sound.
Their partnership produced over 70 Top 40 hits, proving their incredible chemistry and talent.
4. Carole King
Long before her solo album “Tapestry” made history, Carole King was a hitmaking machine at the Brill Building.
Partnering with her then-husband Gerry Goffin, she wrote classics like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for The Shirelles.
This song became the first number-one hit by an African American girl group.
She also crafted “The Loco-Motion” for Little Eva and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin.
Each song became iconic in its own right.
Her ability to capture genuine emotion in simple lyrics made her songs timeless treasures that still resonate today.
5. Paul McCartney
Even after The Beatles changed music forever, McCartney kept writing hits for other performers.
He wrote “Come and Get It” for Badfinger, producing the track himself in 1969.
The song became a top ten hit and showed his ability to craft perfect pop melodies for different bands.
McCartney also penned “Ebony and Ivory” as a duet with Stevie Wonder.
The song topped charts worldwide with its message about racial harmony.
His gift for memorable hooks and uplifting lyrics made him a sought-after songwriter.
Whether writing for himself or others, McCartney’s musical magic consistently shines through every note.
6. Max Martin
Swedish producer Max Martin quietly became the mastermind behind modern pop’s biggest anthems.
He co-wrote “…Baby One More Time” for Britney Spears, launching her career in 1998.
The song’s unforgettable hook made it an instant classic that defined late 90s pop music.
Martin also crafted hits like “I Kissed a Girl” for Katy Perry and “Shake It Off” for Taylor Swift.
His ability to spot trends and create earworms is unmatched.
With over 25 number-one hits, he’s one of the most successful songwriters in history.
His formula combines catchy melodies with relatable lyrics that stick in your head for days.
7. Ed Sheeran
Known for his own heartfelt ballads, Sheeran has also penned major hits for other artists.
He wrote “Love Yourself” with Justin Bieber, which became one of Bieber’s biggest solo hits.
The song’s stripped-down acoustic style showcased Sheeran’s talent for creating emotionally honest lyrics.
Sheeran also co-wrote “Little Things” for One Direction.
The track became a number-one hit in the UK and showed his versatility across different pop styles.
His songwriting connects because it feels genuine and relatable.
Whether writing for himself or others, Sheeran captures real emotions that listeners recognize from their own lives and experiences.
8. Pharrell Williams
Pharrell’s production and songwriting skills have shaped the sound of modern R&B and pop music.
He co-wrote and produced “I’m a Slave 4 U” for Britney Spears, marking a bold new direction in her career.
The song’s innovative beat and edgy sound proved Pharrell could reinvent an artist’s image.
Williams also crafted “Drop It Like It’s Hot” for Snoop Dogg and “Hollaback Girl” for Gwen Stefani.
Each track topped charts and became cultural phenomena.
His minimalist production style and funky rhythms are instantly recognizable.
Pharrell’s musical fingerprints can be heard across decades of hit songs for countless artists.
9. David Bowie
The legendary chameleon of rock also lent his songwriting talents to fellow musicians.
Bowie wrote “All the Young Dudes” for Mott the Hoople in 1972, saving the band from breaking up.
The anthem became their signature song and a glam rock classic that defined an entire generation.
He also penned songs for Iggy Pop, including contributions to “The Idiot” album.
Their creative partnership produced some of punk rock’s most influential tracks.
Bowie’s artistic vision extended beyond his own groundbreaking work.
His ability to understand other artists’ strengths made him a generous and insightful collaborator throughout his career.
10. Ryan Tedder
As OneRepublic’s frontman, Tedder also became one of pop’s most in-demand songwriters.
He co-wrote “Halo” for Beyoncé, one of her most beloved and powerful ballads.
The song showcased his talent for creating soaring, emotional choruses that give singers room to shine.
Tedder also penned “Bleeding Love” for Leona Lewis and “Rumour Has It” for Adele.
Each track became a massive hit that helped define these artists’ careers.
His production style blends organic instruments with modern pop sensibilities.
Tedder’s songs feel both contemporary and timeless, making him a trusted collaborator for music’s biggest stars today.
11. The Bee Gees
Beyond their own disco dominance, the Gibb brothers wrote massive hits for other performers.
They crafted “Islands in the Stream” for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, creating one of country-pop’s greatest duets.
The song topped charts worldwide and showcased their versatility beyond disco music.
The brothers also wrote “Heartbreaker” for Dionne Warwick and “Chain Reaction” for Diana Ross.
Each song demonstrated their ability to blend pop, soul, and R&B seamlessly.
Their tight harmonies and falsetto vocals were matched by their songwriting genius.
The Bee Gees understood how to craft melodies that felt both familiar and fresh simultaneously.
12. Neil Diamond
Before becoming a beloved performer, Diamond was a successful Brill Building songwriter.
He wrote “I’m a Believer” for The Monkees, which became their biggest hit in 1966.
The song topped charts for seven weeks and sold over 10 million copies worldwide, proving his pop songwriting prowess.
Diamond also penned “Red Red Wine,” later covered successfully by UB40.
The reggae version introduced his songwriting to entirely new audiences decades later.
His knack for simple, singable melodies made his songs perfect for other artists.
Diamond’s straightforward approach to lyrics and hooks created timeless tracks that multiple generations enjoy.
13. Missy Elliott
Hip-hop pioneer Missy Elliott revolutionized music production while writing for R&B’s biggest stars.
She co-wrote and produced “Take Away” for Ciara and “Lose Control” became a massive hit.
Her innovative production style combined quirky sounds with hard-hitting beats that nobody else could replicate.
Elliott also crafted hits for Aaliyah, Monica, and Whitney Houston.
Each collaboration showcased her ability to highlight an artist’s unique strengths while maintaining her distinctive sonic signature.
Her playful lyrics and experimental production pushed boundaries in ways few others dared.
Missy proved that hip-hop songwriting could be fun, fierce, and forward-thinking all at once.
14. John Lennon
After The Beatles, Lennon continued writing meaningful songs that other artists brought to life.
He wrote “Fame” with David Bowie, giving Bowie his first US number-one hit in 1975.
The funky track showed Lennon could adapt his style to fit different artists while maintaining his edge.
Lennon’s songwriting always carried deeper meaning and social commentary.
His ability to blend catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics made his compositions valuable for any performer seeking substance.
His collaborative spirit and willingness to experiment kept his songwriting fresh.
Even outside The Beatles, Lennon’s musical contributions continued shaping popular music in profound and lasting ways.
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