The all-time song success story, if not for absolute dollars then for the story's appeal, might be Bart Howard's "Fly Me to the Moon", originally titled "In Other Words". Howard wrote the song in 1954 when he was 39 years old. Over time, it became a jazz and pop standard and, thanks to Frank Sinatra's 1964 hit cover, a great classic. Reportedly, Howard made a continuing income for life off of this one song. I wouldn't be surprised if the song still makes enough money for a person to live on. The song will not go into the public domain until the 2070s.

You're a great asset to the songwriting community Chris! Thanks for sharing

I would love to see an update for this video.

Thank you!

This is great! I’ve gotten a little glimpse into this from another artist, but this is very in depth. Maybe you answer this in part 2, do you find new songwriters are having to give up more, including some writing credit, to the recording artist to get them to cut their song? Also - I have always hit dead-ends when it comes to where and how to pitch my songs. Thanks so much for all of this, I’ll listen to the next one.

Thanks Chris! Appreciate you brother!

Congratulations

Great info, thanks. And I just listened to your #1 song . WOW thats a great song, Thats something to be Proud of !!!😎

Thanks for sharing Chris.

Thank you for sharing this and for spending your time doing this: do radio stations still pay 10 cents a play for performance royalties? Of course this would be the total publishers share, the publisher and the songwriters.

hi this was a great video, but I cant find part 2 on your channel is it still uploaded?

Hey Chris, I’ve got 2 number 1’s written right now I’m sure of it. My question is, how do I get them to Nashville without having to split my song 10 different ways, your song something to be proud of only had you and the publisher so as I understand you got 100% of the songwriters cut, how did you do that if you don’t mind me asking?

Where's part 2?? You left me hanging on the edge of my seat!!! 😂. Also, as a note for anyone interested. If this money had been immediately invested the first years income on his songs into dividend paying ETFs. Something like RYLD, that pays 12% annually. He would be getting paid roughly $6500/ month in dividends for life, without touching principle. Plus, he would keep getting royalties for his songs going forward. If he re-invested those, that income would only keep increasing, even without another #1.

Good chunk of money but goes quickly when the tax man takes his share. hahaha it goes to show you have to keep writing and getting them recorded to make a good living. Thanks for sharing this info, it opens ours eyes to the life of a writer.

I have met you in Nashville,,,,

As a new songwriter may I ask some questions?

RIp Toby Keith

When you say songwriter and he wrote the song are you talking the entire song music and all or just the lyrics and melody progression

Buy a house write a song,,,