Silly Inventions That Made Their Creators Surprisingly Rich

Big Mouth Billy Bass Made Inventor $100 Million

Love it or hate it, Big Mouth Billy Bass became an instant sensation when it hit the market in the early 2000s. This quirky, wall-mounted singing fish captured hearts across America with its renditions of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and “Take Me to the River.” People couldn’t resist the novelty of a stuffed bass belting out tunes, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon

Its inventor, Joe Pellettieri, struck gold, earning an estimated $100 million from the product. Even today, you can still buy this iconic piece of nostalgia, though it’s gotten a modern upgrade. Now compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, you can activate it with just your voice—no need to press a button. Who would’ve thought a singing fish could evolve with technology? Whether you see it as a kitschy relic or a timeless treasure, Big Mouth Billy Bass remains a testament to the power of simple, unexpected fun.