Sia – “Pretty Hurts” (Beyoncé)
When you think of your favorite songs, you probably imagine the superstar who sings them, not someone quietly working behind the scenes. Before stunning the world with “Chandelier,” Sia was already writing hits for others. Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts,” a soulful anthem about beauty’s pressure, came from her pen. She also wrote Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and Britney Spears’s “Perfume.” Sia preferred to stay in the background, once admitting she liked anonymity. Yet, her words carried so much honesty they pushed her into fame. Sometimes the brightest stars begin by helping others shine before stepping into their own light.
Pharrell Williams – “I’m a Slave 4 U” (Britney Spears)
Pharrell Williams became famous for “Happy,” but his talent had been shaping pop long before. As half of The Neptunes, he co-wrote Britney Spears’s sultry hit “I’m a Slave 4 U,” giving her sound a daring new edge. He also helped create Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” and Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.” Pharrell’s signature blend of rhythm and melody defined early 2000s pop. He has always known how to make music feel effortless and cool. His songs made people move and smile, showing that creative magic can exist both behind the board and under bright lights.
Lady Gaga – “Quicksand” (Britney Spears)
Before Lady Gaga became the larger-than-life performer known for bold style and powerful vocals, she was quietly writing songs for others. Under her real name, Stefani Germanotta, she penned “Quicksand” for Britney Spears’s Circus album. She also wrote for The Pussycat Dolls and Adam Lambert, helping shape the pop sound of that era. Those early years gave her insight into what makes a song stick. Gaga’s transition from songwriter to superstar showed growth and courage. She learned the rules of pop first, then redefined them completely with her own voice, proving creativity never stays hidden for long.
Ryan Tedder – “Halo” (Beyoncé)
Ryan Tedder fronts OneRepublic, but his songwriting talent for others turned him into one of pop’s most trusted hitmakers. His crowning moment came with Beyoncé’s “Halo,” a song that captured both vulnerability and strength. He also wrote Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love” and Adele’s “Rumour Has It.” Tedder’s genius lies in writing melodies that feel timeless while fitting each artist perfectly. His songs carry heart and precision, balancing emotion with craft. Whether performing with his band or writing for others, Tedder’s work shows that sometimes the most powerful voices begin with a simple piano and a feeling.
Bruno Mars – “Forget You” (CeeLo Green)
Before Bruno Mars brought back retro flair with “Uptown Funk,” he was already penning hits for other artists. One of his earliest successes was CeeLo Green’s “Forget You,” a catchy and playful breakup song that dominated the charts. Bruno also co-wrote “Right Round” for Flo Rida and “All I Ask” for Adele. His writing style mixes humor, heart, and irresistible hooks, making songs that feel timeless. Long before his own spotlight, Bruno’s pen showed his range and rhythm. He was a star waiting to happen, learning to craft hits that sounded joyful, honest, and full of soul.
Taylor Swift – “Better Man” (Little Big Town)
Taylor Swift is known for songs that read like heartfelt diaries, but she also shares her stories through others. She wrote “Better Man” for Little Big Town, a country ballad about heartbreak and healing that became a major hit. She also secretly co-wrote “This Is What You Came For” for Calvin Harris and Rihanna. Swift’s lyrics always connect deeply, no matter who sings them. She understands emotion in every form, turning personal moments into universal feelings. Whether through her own albums or someone else’s voice, Taylor’s words always find their way to listeners’ hearts.
Ed Sheeran – “Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber)
Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” felt simple and direct, but its emotional punch came from Ed Sheeran’s writing. Ed originally wrote the acoustic track for himself before realizing it fit Bieber’s sound perfectly. The song topped charts worldwide and helped Bieber transition into a more mature phase of his career. Sheeran’s songwriting talent also gave One Direction their heartfelt hit “Little Things.” His style is conversational and deeply relatable, making his music universal. Whether performing on stage or writing quietly in the background, Sheeran proves that storytelling is his greatest instrument and heart his truest guide.
St. Vincent – “Cruel Summer” (Taylor Swift)
St. Vincent, known for her bold guitar work and experimental style, joined Taylor Swift to write “Cruel Summer,” one of Swift’s most beloved tracks. The collaboration blended Taylor’s pop sensibility with St. Vincent’s unique artistry, resulting in a perfect mix of emotion and energy. St. Vincent’s creative input gave the song an edgy twist that fans loved. It showed how musicians from different worlds can merge seamlessly when united by passion for great songwriting. For St. Vincent, it was another reminder that true artistry always finds new ways to reach unexpected audiences.
Ne-Yo – “Irreplaceable” (Beyoncé)
Before topping charts with his own smooth R&B hits, Ne-Yo was already shaping modern pop. He wrote Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable,” one of her defining songs, complete with the unforgettable line “to the left, to the left.” The song was originally written from a man’s perspective before Ne-Yo reworked it for Beyoncé, turning it into an anthem of independence. He also wrote songs for Rihanna and Mary J. Blige. Ne-Yo’s strength lies in writing emotions that feel real. His lyrics gave voices to countless stories, proving that honesty in music always finds the right home.
Kesha – “Till the World Ends” (Britney Spears)
Before her glittery pop stardom, Kesha was already crafting hits for other artists. One of her biggest early credits was Britney Spears’s “Till the World Ends,” an energetic dance anthem filled with electric energy. The song became one of Britney’s signature tracks, showing Kesha’s ability to capture fun and intensity in equal measure. She also wrote for artists like Miley Cyrus and The Veronicas. Kesha’s early writing career showed her natural sense of rhythm and celebration. Long before she took center stage, she was shaping the soundtracks of parties around the world with her infectious creativity.
Max Martin – Countless Hits
Max Martin’s name might not appear on stage, but his songs have ruled the airwaves for more than two decades. The Swedish songwriter created iconic hits like Britney Spears’s “…Baby One More Time,” Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” His genius lies in balancing emotion and simplicity, crafting melodies that never fade. Martin’s collaborations span generations of artists, each benefiting from his perfect ear for structure and sound. Though he avoids fame, his work defines pop music itself. His legacy proves that the greatest voices sometimes belong to those who never sing.
Neil Sedaka – “Love Will Keep Us Together” (Captain & Tennille)
Neil Sedaka started as a chart-topping singer in the 1960s but found greater longevity as a songwriter. His tune “Love Will Keep Us Together” became a Grammy-winning smash for Captain & Tennille in 1975. Sedaka’s knack for timeless melodies made him a constant presence across eras. He also wrote classics like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Calendar Girl.” His songs carried humor, romance, and charm that appealed to listeners of every generation. Sedaka’s story shows that true artistry doesn’t end with fame; it grows when your words keep inspiring new voices to sing them.
Billy Steinberg – “Like a Virgin” (Madonna)
Billy Steinberg may not be a household name, but his lyrics helped define pop’s golden age. He co-wrote Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” a bold anthem that turned vulnerability into power. He also wrote “True Colors” for Cyndi Lauper and “Eternal Flame” for The Bangles. Steinberg’s writing always felt emotional and relatable, transforming personal experiences into universal messages. His songs became cultural touchstones, sung across decades by fans who never knew his name. Billy’s quiet influence reminds us that great songwriting doesn’t require fame; it only needs truth and a melody that refuses to fade away.
Roger Cook – “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” (The Hollies)
Roger Cook’s influence on pop and rock music runs deep. He co-wrote “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress,” one of The Hollies’ most enduring hits, still played on radio stations worldwide. Cook also wrote songs for artists across multiple genres, from folk to country. His success earned him induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the first British writer to receive the honor. Cook’s storytelling style gave his songs authenticity and staying power. His career proves that songwriting is its own kind of fame, where the melody becomes the lasting memory instead of the face.
Mac Gayden – “Everlasting Love” (Robert Knight)
Mac Gayden co-wrote “Everlasting Love,” a song that has stood strong for generations. First recorded by Robert Knight in 1967, it became a hit again through covers by Gloria Estefan, U2, and many others. Gayden’s lyrics and melody captured the feeling of love that never fades, giving the song its timeless power. His musical career may not have been filled with fame, but one song was enough to make him unforgettable. “Everlasting Love” continues to fill dance floors and hearts, a reminder that some creations truly live up to their name forever.
Teddy Randazzo – “Goin’ Out of My Head” (Little Anthony & the Imperials)
Teddy Randazzo began his journey as a singer but found his greatest gift in songwriting. He co-wrote “Goin’ Out of My Head,” a ballad that became a standard, recorded by hundreds of artists over the years. Randazzo also penned “Hurt So Bad,” another enduring favorite. His songs blended soulful passion with delicate storytelling, giving listeners something real to hold onto. Though not widely known today, his work continues to be performed around the world. Randazzo’s legacy proves that music written with heart never truly leaves the stage.
Bonnie McKee – “California Gurls” (Katy Perry)
Bonnie McKee might not be instantly recognizable, but her songwriting shaped an era of pop music. She co-wrote eight number-one hits with Katy Perry, including “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Roar.” Her lyrics captured carefree summers and the spirit of youth, creating songs people couldn’t stop singing. McKee’s upbeat, colorful writing style defined early 2010s pop and influenced countless artists. Even if her solo career didn’t match her writing success, her words built musical joy for millions. Bonnie’s songs remind us that pop’s happiest moments often begin with a single inspired writer behind the scenes.
Dan Hill – Songs for Céline Dion
Dan Hill became known for his 1977 ballad “Sometimes When We Touch,” but his songwriting for Céline Dion gave his words new wings. His emotional style perfectly matched her soaring vocals, producing ballads filled with love and vulnerability. Hill’s gentle approach to storytelling made every lyric feel sincere. His collaboration with Dion showed how two different voices could blend beautifully through shared emotion. Though Hill’s fame as a performer faded, his influence through others remained. His songs continue to move listeners, proving that genuine feeling in music will always find its voice somewhere new.
From megastars like Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars to behind-the-scenes legends like Max Martin and Billy Steinberg, these stories reveal just how many of our favorite songs came from unexpected places. Whether they gave away a future hit, built their careers ghostwriting, or simply wanted to collaborate, these musicians prove that the line between performer and songwriter is often blurry. So next time you belt out a favorite anthem, remember, there may be another famous name behind the scenes who gave it life.
This story Famous Musicians Who Wrote Hit Songs for Other Artists was first published on Daily FETCH
