How much money have BB co-songwriters earned?

[CenturyDeprived]

Not that we'll never really have a way to figure this out exactly, but just out of curiosity he, what ballpark figures do you think that various cowriters have made from being associated with BB songs?  Not speaking of members of the band.

This question popped into my head when reading James Murphy's awesome book about the early days... For example, I wonder how much Chuck Berry has learned over the years after his songwriting credit was added to Surfin' USA after the fact…

[hideyotsuburaya]

Tony Asher rattled off a figure--don't recall what exactly it was except it seemed a paltry amount (if accurate) to me--years ago that was probably in the Gaines HEROES & VILLAINS book, of what aggregate amount his Pet Sounds album lyrics profited him over the years

of course that was years ago and with the increased pet sounds song and release activity since then his frown may've been turned upside-down

[Juice Brohnston]

Great question. Usher. Christian. Would those royalties been enough to live off?

[Andrew G. Doe]

Roger carried on being a DJ, Gary carried on recording a gazillion BB knock-off bands. l'd say... not.

[astroray]

Tommy Durden lived the rest of his life, off of writing one song, "Heartbreak Hotel", I doubt Gary Winfrey could do the same of "Take a Load off your Feet"!

[c-man]

For what it's worth, Bruce once said his songwriting royalties for "I Write The Songs" paid for his house.

[Andrew G. Doe]

I distinctly recall Bruce stating on the BBB MB several years ago that his six monthly check for "IWTS" was about $200,000. I'm guessing it's nothing like that now.

[bossaroo]

Roger carried on being a DJ, Gary carried on recording a gazillion BB knock-off bands. l'd say... not.

Gary Usher did a lot more than just record surf groups.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Usher

[Andrew G. Doe]

I'm well aware of his later exploits. My point was that his collaborations with Brian weren't lucrative enough to be his sole income.

[Wirestone]

Also important to note, IIRC, that songwriting royalties aren't necessarily paid as a 50-50 split. Tony Asher, specifically, only got 30-40 percent of some Pet Sounds songs. The reasoning was that Brian contributed to the lyrics, too.

The only person who might come close to BW in the songwriting check department would be Mike, simply due to his contributions to the group's biggest singles. Good Vibes alone must be worth a tidy sum.

[donald]

BW himself is STILL working.   Take it from there.