BillMedley.comA U.K. documentary titled The Richest Songs in the World that aired recently on BBC television takes a look at the tunes that have earned the most publishing royalties.  According to DigitalSpy.com, the program reveals that The Righteous Brothers are responsible for recording two of the 10 most lucrative tunes of all time.  The '60s pop-soul duo's classics "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'" and "Unchained Melody" appear at #3 and #5, respectively on the list.

Other memorable songs by famous artists that landed on the tally include The Beatles' "Yesterday" at #4, Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" at #6, The Police's "Every Breath You Take" at #8 and Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" at #9.

The top-earning song ever is "Happy Birthday to You," which was written by sisters Patty Hill and Mildred J. Hill back in 1893.  Rounding out the list are three holiday standards -- "White Christmas" at #2, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" at #7 and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" at #10.

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