What makes or breaks a career in popular music? A great song, and everyone in the industry is chasing that one hit that will send them on their way to superstardom. But on their way to fame, many artists and celebrities cut their teeth writing songs for other artists, making a name for themselves in the cutthroat world of music.
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We’ve compiled a list of celebrities you’d never guess wrote songs for other singers.
Ne-Yo
Long before he broke out as a formidable music act on his own, Ne-Yo was busy sharpening his pen writing for other artists. The singer-songwriter has written massive hits like “Irreplaceable” and “Flaws and All” by Beyoncé, “Let Me Love You” by Mario, “Take a Bow” and “Unfaithful” by Rihanna, “Rock With You” by Janet Jackson, “Spotlight” by Jennifer Hudson and more.
@therealkeeyonafuller Songs that was Written by @NE-YO Part 1!🔥✍🏽🎶 #fyp #musicproducer #foryoupage #songwriter #neyo #rnb #musician ♬ original sound – Keeyona Sadae Fuller
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop shared his gifts with the world, and that includes other artists as well. Jackson contributed songs for acts like The Brothers Johnson, LaToya Jackson, Paul McCartney, and more. Specifically for “The Man” with Paul McCartney, the video features home footage of Jackson and Paul.
Prince
Prince, known for being one of the greatest musicians of his generation, also lent his mastery to other acts. Prince wrote “Stand Back” for Stevie Nicks, “Manic Monday” for The Bangles, “Round and Round” by Tevin Campbell, “Yo Mister” by Patti LaBelle and more. Also, with such an acclaimed discography himself, many of his songs have gone on to become even more famous as covers, including, of course, Sinead O’Connor’s cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Kandi Burruss
Long before her tenure on The Real Housewives, Kandi Burruss was busy writing hits for some of the greatest acts of the 90s and early 2000s. Burruss has writing credits on hits like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “So Good” by Destiny’s Child, “No Scrubs” by TLC, “There You Go” by P!nk .
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ pen is also very impressive. The Grammy-winning hit-maker also wrote plenty of songs for other artists in his day, having written songs like “Love Me” for Justin Bieber, “All I Ask” for Adele, and even “F*ck You” by CeeLo Green.
@danielswall Replying to @lolxd116 Why Bruno Mars Doesn’t Need to Release Music Anymore #singer #songwriter #brunomars #hitsong #ladygaga #songwriting #rose #apt #diewithasmile #popmusic #demo #grammys #musicproducer #viralsong #inspirational #singing #justdance #trendingsong @Bruno Mars @ladygaga @ROSÉ ♬ original sound – Daniel Wall
Victoria Monét
Victoria Monét may be known as her artist these days with hits like “On My Mama” and her recent Best New Artist win at the Grammys. Still, for years, Monét was writing hits for many artists like Brandy, Blackpink, Chloe x Halle, Chris Brown and most importantly, Ariana Grande. Her frequent collaborations with Grande helped catapult the singer to superstardom, with Monét having credits on some of her biggest hits like “Thank U Next,” “7 Rings,” and more.
@spotifyforartists The only thing better than making a hit is making a hit with your bestie, just ask @Victoria Monét ✨ #victoriamonet #arianagrande #monopoly ♬ original sound – Spotify for Artists
Ariana Grande
Grande herself also lent her pen to some hits for other artists. Specifically, Grande wrote “Motivation,” Normani’s debut single after going solo post-Fifth Harmony.
Drake
When he’s not busy being one of the highest-charting rappers of all time, Drake is writing music non-stop, many times for other acts. His work includes “Unthinkable (I’m Ready)” by Alicia Keys, “Heated” by Beyoncé, and numerous Kanye West songs like “30 Hours,” “Facts” and more.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd also has credits as a songwriter and producer, contributing to songs like “FML” by Kanye West, “Shot for Me” and “Practice” by Drake, “Woo” by Rihanna and more.
Dolly Parton
The queen of country music herself, Dolly Parton, is known for her own hits, but she also wrote some of the biggest tracks that went on to be major moments for other artists. Her song, “There’ll Always Be Music” was made popular with a Tina Turner cover back in 1974, and of course, Whitney Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You” remains the best-selling single of all time by a female artist.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams, one of the most in-demand musicians in the business, is known for his own work solo and in his group N.E.R.D., but as a songwriter and producer, he is known for great hits as well. Williams is the man behind major songs like Nelly’s “Hot in Herre,” “Girlfriend” by *NSYNC, “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani and more.
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