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Music Royalties that Paid Very Well

Hitting the High Notes!

Image of musical notes on paper next to piano keys

Here are ten songs that have earned significant royalties over the years, along with estimates of their earnings:


"Happy Birthday to You" - Estimated over $50 million (before entering public domain).


"White Christmas" by Irving Berlin - Estimated over $50 million.


"Yesterday" by The Beatles - Estimated around $30 million.


"The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells - Estimated over $30 million.


"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin" by The Righteous Brothers - Estimated around $28 million.


"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton - Estimated over $20 million (including Whitney Houston's version).


"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin - Estimated around $20 million.


"Let It Be" by The Beatles - Estimated over $20 million.


"Smooth" by Santana featuring Rob Thomas - Estimated around $18 million.


"Dancing Queen" by ABBA - Estimated around $18 million.

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