5 One-Hit Wonders That Are Worth Millions, Years After Their Biggest Hit

Sometimes, one-hit wonders really do become millionaires after the success of their solitary hits. While I’m sure those artists would prefer to be known for their whole catalog of work rather than just one song, one can’t deny that they got pretty lucky with their commercially successful single hits. Let’s look at a few surprising one-hit wonders that are still worth millions today!

1. Bobby McFerrin

As of 2025, Bobby McFerrin is believed to be worth $5 million. You might remember this famous singer/songwriter by his hit 1988 reggae-pop delight, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. That particular tune peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and ranked even higher on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. It’s a pretty legendary tune, considering it has been preserved by the Library of Congress.

2. Toni Basil

This iconic pop star on our list of one-hit wonders worth millions is allegedly worth about $5 million as of 2025. Remember “Mickey”? That new wave bubblegum pop hit smashed the charts in 1982, reaching no. 1 on the Hot 100. It’s very likely that the majority of Basil’s wealth has come from the commercial success of that song.

3. Vanilla Ice

Rapper turned reality TV star Vanilla Ice is believed to be worth $20 million. No shade to Vanilla Ice, but this is pretty shocking. “Ice Ice Baby” was his only commercially successful hit, but apparently the 1990s was the time to really make money with music. Though, some sources report that he’s actually worth $12 million. Either way, it’s surprising that he’s worth anything, considering the legal battle he got into for using “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie without their permission.

4. Sir Mix-A-Lot

As of 2025, Sir Mix-A-Lot is believed to be worth $20 million, or possibly $30 million, according to alternate sources. He’s talked quite a bit about it, too. Allegedly, he made a total of $100 million from his one hit. The whole of his wealth has likely come from the legendary hip-hop tune “Baby Got Back”.

Sir Mix-A-Lot likely makes a passive income through the song via its use as a sample in a number of famous tracks nowadays, such as “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj, among others.

5. Billy Ray Cyrus

This country music entry on our list of one-hit wonders worth millions is estimated to be worth $10 million. He’s best known as Miley Cyrus’ dad nowadays, but he was once a be-mulleted heartthrob with a hit song in 1992 called “Achy Breaky Heart”. You can thank Cyrus for giving the linedance boom a boost back then.

However, the whole of Cyrus’ wealth might not come from his one major hit. He’s a talented producer as well as an actor. His work on Lil Nas X’s hit song “Old Town Road” has likely also contributed to his wealth.

Photo by Suzi Pratt/FilmMagic

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