Introduction
Harlan Howard was a prominent songwriter in the country music industry who composed some of the greatest hits in the 1950s and 1960s. Howard was born on September 8th, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan. He started his career as a singer and quickly realized that songwriting was his true calling. With a natural talent for words and music, Howard became one of the most successful and prolific country music songwriters of the twentieth century. In this blog post, we uncover the astonishing net worth of Harlan Howard, exploring his contributions to the country music industry and the impact it has on his wealth.
Early Life and Career
Howard was born into a working-class family where his father worked in the auto manufacturing industry. Despite their financial struggles, Howard’s parents encouraged his love for music and exposed him to various genres. Howard learned to play the guitar at an early age and started performing at local venues. At the age of 19, Howard was drafted into the army and served for two years.
After his discharge, Howard moved to California to pursue a career in music. He started writing songs for a small music publisher and soon caught the attention of Capitol Records. In 1958, Howard’s song “Pick Me Up On Your Way Down” became his first major hit in the country music industry.
Net Worth and Achievements
Howard’s net worth is estimated to be around $11 million. He is considered one of the most successful songwriters of all time, with his songs being recorded by over 500 artists. He wrote many hit songs, including “I Fall to Pieces”, “Heartaches by the Number,” and “Busted.” Howard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997, recognizing his contributions to the country music genre.
Revenue from Songwriting
Songwriting has been Howard’s primary source of income throughout his career. He was one of the earliest songwriters to receive royalty payments for his work. In the 1950s, the average royalty payment was around 2 cents per record sold. Howard’s contract with Capitol Records allowed him to earn 2.5 cents per record, which was a significant increase.
As royalties started to become a more significant source of income for artists in the 1960s, Howard’s earnings grew as well. He would typically receive a percentage of the profits generated by a song’s live performances, merchandise sales, and radio airplay.
Covers by Other Artists
Howard’s songs were recorded by many popular artists in the country music genre, resulting in significant revenue for the songwriter. Some of the most notable covers of Howard’s songs were “Heartaches by the Number” by Guy Mitchell, “Pick Me Up On Your Way Down” by Charlie Walker, and “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline.
Legacy and Influence
Howard’s music and influence can be seen in many modern-day country music stars. His ability to combine clever wordplay with catchy melodies was a significant influence on artists like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Kris Kristofferson. Many of Howard’s songs continue to be popular in the country music genre, with new covers and adaptations being recorded to this day.
FAQs
Q1. What is Harlan Howard’s net worth?
A1. Harlan Howard’s net worth is estimated to be around $11 million.
Q2. What are some of Harlan Howard’s most famous songs?
A2. Harlan Howard wrote many hit songs, including “I Fall to Pieces”, “Heartaches by the Number,” and “Busted.”
Q3. Was Harlan Howard a successful songwriter?
A3. Yes, Howard is considered one of the most successful songwriters of all time, with his songs being recorded by over 500 artists, and his net worth being estimated at $11 million.
Q4. Who has covered Harlan Howard’s songs?
A4. Many popular artists in the country music genre recorded covers of Howard’s songs, including Guy Mitchell, Charlie Walker, and Patsy Cline.
Q5. What is Harlan Howard’s influence on modern-day country music?
A5. Harlan Howard was a significant influence on modern-day country music, as many of his songs continue to be popular in the genre. His ability to combine clever wordplay with catchy melodies was a significant influence on artists like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Kris Kristofferson.
Q6. Has Harlan Howard been recognized for his contributions to the country music industry?
A6. Yes, Howard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997, recognizing his contributions to the country music genre.
Q7. How did Harlan Howard make his money?
A7. Howard’s primary source of income throughout his career was songwriting. He would typically receive a percentage of the revenue generated by a song’s live performances, merchandise sales, and radio airplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Harlan Howard was a prominent figure in the country music industry and a highly successful songwriter. Howard’s wealth is mainly derived from the royalties he received from his songs and the covers by other artists. Even today, Howard’s legacy can be seen in modern-day country music, where his influence continues to shape the genre. Through his unique and catchy songs, Howard’s contributions to the music industry will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.