Allen Toussaint – $3 million
Greatest Hits: Working in the Coal Mine, Yes We Can Can, Java
Allen Toussaint was a key figure in the New Orleans rhythm and blues scene in the Gert Area of Louisiana, where he was born. He began his writing and composing career in the 1950s as a “backroom figure” in the music industry. A number of his songs were published, including “Fortune Teller,” “Works in the Coal Mine,” and “Java.” He learned to play the piano from an elderly friend, who taught him several pieces, including “Lady Marmalade.” He also composed some brilliant songs, such as “Right Place, Wrong Time.” His father, who also played the trumpet and worked for the railroad, was also a musician.
Allen Toussaint – $3 Million
Chuck Berry – $10 million
Greatest Hits: Ida Red, You Can Never Tell, Johnny B. Goode
As a means of creating music, he perfected and invented the rhythm and blues, placing a kind of solo guitar and music at the heart of the genre’s development. Chuck Berry has been referred to as the “Father of Rock ‘N’ Roll.” He began performing music at a young age when he was born in St. Louis. He then went on to perform with the Johnnie Johnson Trio, which included vocalists Muddy Waters, before taking a break. Muddy connected him with Chess Records, and for the first time, Ida Red was able to record more than a million records in a single session.
Chuck Berry – $10 Million
