Joe Strummer – $4 million
Greatest Hits: Rock the Casbah
Punk rock would have missed out on a phenomenal contributor if Joe Strummer had chosen another career. The Clash was his baby, which was founded by Strummer, a lifelong dedication that would earn him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. The British punk band enjoyed a number 2 spot in the UK charts with their second album. They broke into the American audiences with their third and fourth albums, which would earn platinum certifications. Strummer would also work with other great bands of his time like Latino Rockabilly, The Mescaleros, 101ers, and The Pogues, among many others. Strummer later enjoyed his solo career, where he composed music for movies and television, produced radio players, and would even become a social justice advocate with his part in Rock Against Racism.
Joe Strummer
Patti Smith – $16 million
Greatest Hits: Because the Night
The singer, songwriter, and poet, Patti Smith, would also become a major contributor to New York City’s 1970s punk rock movement with her revolutionary first album called Horses. She fused punk rock with poetry to become the initial punk pet. Because the Night is widely considered to be her greatest song, one which she wrote with fellow songwriting legend, Bruce Springsteen. In 2010 she took off with her writing career, where she wrote her Only Kids autobiography which earned her a National Book Award. She is recognized as one of the “Greatest Artists” by Rolling Stones magazine.
Patti Smith
