Songs That Earned the Most

Songwriting used to pay a handsome living—and still does if the songs you wrote decades ago continue to be played today on the radio and TV and in the movies. Timeless hits have become annuities for songwriters and their families, since the royalty checks kept rolling in long after the songs slipped off the Billboard charts. Which "golden goose" singles have earned writers the most money? You may be surprised by the list. Jimi Mentis in Athens sent along this BBC documentary that reveals the hottest hits with the biggest paydays…