12 Mind-Blowing Music Facts You Never Knew

Though the King of Rock and Roll recorded over 600 songs during his lifetime, and is the highest selling solo artist of all time, he didn't actually write a single one of them.

Elvis Presley was often credited as a co-writer for many of his hits, but this was due more to the God-like pull that his name and notoriety brought with it rather than any pen-to-paper hard work on his part. Songwriters were typically contracted by his management team to forgo one third or more of their royalties in exchange for having him perform their compositions, thus gaining them exposure and a hefty paycheck regardless.

Quite simply, the complex nature of royalties and payouts meant that having Elvis credited as a co-writer made it easier for him to get paid, raking in the big bucks that the Presley estate (and its many lawsuits) is still known for.