10 One Hit Wonder Artists Who Are Millionaires

In the dynamic world of music, some artists experience meteoric rises to fame with one iconic hit, only to fade away from the limelight shortly after. These one-hit wonders may not have a long-lasting career in the industry, but that one song can make a lasting impact on listeners and secure a comfortable financial future for the artists. Let’s explore some of the artists who became one-hit wonders and how their popular songs brought them financial success.

Taylor Hicks – “Do I Make You Proud” ($1 Million)

Taylor Hicks gained prominence as the winner of the fifth season of American Idol. His one-hit wonder, “Do I Make You Proud,” which he wrote for the show’s finale, brought him considerable attention and success. The song’s message of hard work and accomplishments resonated with audiences, and Taylor Hicks’ net worth now stands at an estimated $1 million. While he took a break from music in recent years, his victory song continues to be a memorable part of his career.

Sinéad O’Connor – “Nothing Compares 2 U” ($1.5 Million)

Sinéad O’Connor’s cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” became an iconic hit in the ’90s, thanks to her emotional and captivating performance. The song’s music video, featuring her powerful vocals and tearful expressions, added to its significance. Despite working hard on her career before and after the song’s success, Sinéad O’Connor’s net worth stood at time of passing at at approximately $1.5 million, making this her defining one-hit wonder.

Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” ($5 Million)

Bobby McFerrin’s soothing and uplifting song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” resonated with audiences across the globe. The song’s positive message and catchy tune made it an instant hit. Although Bobby McFerrin’s career didn’t produce another chart-topping hit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” allowed him to accumulate an impressive net worth of $5 million. He continues to pursue music and hone his craft.

Toni Basil – “Hey Mickey” ($5 Million)

Toni Basil’s energetic and infectious hit, “Hey Mickey,” topped the charts in 1982. Originally titled “Kitty,” the song’s perspective change made it a memorable pop anthem. While Toni Basil didn’t achieve the same level of success with subsequent tracks, “Hey Mickey” propelled her to a net worth of $5 million. She remains relevant in the entertainment industry, attending red carpet events and associating with established figures.

Vanilla Ice – “Ice Ice Baby” ($12 Million)

Vanilla Ice, also known as Robert Van Winkle, gained massive fame with his ’90s hit, “Ice Ice Baby,” which was the first hip-hop song to top the charts during the genre’s rise in popularity. Although he had a decent career, it was this one-hit wonder that catapulted him to stardom, resulting in a net worth of $12 million. The song’s bassline was inspired by Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.”

Billy Ray Cyrus – “Achy Breaky Heart” ($20 Million)

Before becoming known as Miley Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus had a significant hit with his country song, “Achy Breaky Heart,” in 1992. His successful career as a producer and actor, including a notable role as Hannah Montana’s father, contributed to his net worth of $20 million. Additionally, his collaboration with Lil Nas X on “Old Town Road” further added to his financial success.

Sir Mix-A-Lot – “Baby Got Back” ($30 Million)

Sir Mix-A-Lot’s iconic track, “Baby Got Back,” became a cultural phenomenon in the ’90s and early 2000s. The song’s playful and catchy lyrics resonated with audiences, making it the second best-selling single of 1992. Today, Sir Mix-A-Lot enjoys a net worth of $30 million, and the song’s influence can be seen through various samples, including Nicki Minaj’s hit, “Anaconda.”

Morten Harket – “Take On Me” ($60 Million)

Morten Harket, the lead singer of the band a-ha, found massive success with their hit “Take On Me.” The song, released in 1985, remains popular to this day and contributed significantly to Morten Harket’s impressive net worth of $60 million. The band’s move to London helped them build an audience, and “Take On Me” became an iconic part of their career.

Psy – “Gangnam Style” ($60 Million)

Few can forget the global sensation of “Gangnam Style” by Psy. This viral hit became a cultural phenomenon, amassing over 4.1 billion views on YouTube. Although Psy had been working on his career for years, his fame skyrocketed overnight with this one-hit wonder. As a result, he founded his record label, P Nation, and now boasts a net worth of $60 million.

Conclusion

The world of one-hit wonders is filled with artists who experienced sudden fame but may not have enjoyed enduring musical careers. However, their iconic songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry. Despite their short-lived fame, these artists made significant financial gains from their one-hit wonders, ensuring a comfortable life even without another chart-topping hit. The stories of Taylor Hicks, Sinéad O’Connor, Bobby McFerrin, Toni Basil, Vanilla Ice, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Morten Harket, and Psy serve as a reminder that sometimes, one song can change an artist’s life forever.