Michael Jackson has topped the Forbes' list of highest earning dead celebrities for the seventh year in a row, raking in $60million since October 2018
Michael Jackson has topped the Forbes’ list of highest earning dead celebrities for the seventh year in a row, raking in $60million since October 2018 despite being the subject of the controversial ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary.
The list published last week revealed that the King of Pop’s music streams increased to 2.1 billion in the US, compared to 1.8 billion the year before. His Mijac Music catalog, Sony deal and a Las Vegas show also continue to contribute to his fortune.
An estimation of pre-tax income – not deducting fees for agents, managers and lawyers – takes into account figures from Nielsen Music, IMDBPro and interviews with industry insiders. It puts Jackson at least $21million ahead of Elvis Presley, Charles Schultz and Arnold Palmer. Michael Jackson’s music was streamed 2.1 billion times in the US compared to 1.8 billion a year ago. His music catalog, Vegas show and Sony deal helps him top list for the seventh year.
Following in the number two position is Elvis Presley who earned $39million much of it from Graceland in Memphis which is so popular with 500,000 visitors annually, that the attraction added a $45million Memphis extension recently. Charles Schultz, the creator of Snoopy, earned $38million thanks in part to a Peanuts deal with MetLife while golf legend, Arnold Palmer’s estate benefited from MasterCard and Rolex deals – and having an Arizona beverage named after him, pushing him to $30million.
Here is the top ten list below
Michael Jackson – Musician (overdose/homicide) June 25, 2009: $60million
Elvis – Musician (heart attack) August 16, 1977: $39million
Charles Schultz – Cartoonist (cancer) February 12, 2000: $38million
Arnold Palmer – Golfer (heart disease) September 25, 2016: $30million
Bob Marley – Musician (cancer) May 11, 1981: $20million
Dr. Seuss – Author (cancer) September 24, 1991: $19million
John Lennon – Musician (homicide) December 8, 1980: $14million
Marilyn Monroe – Actress (overdose) August 5, 1962: $13million
Prince – Musician (overdose) April 21, 2016: $12million
Nipsey Hussle – Musician (homicide) March 31, 2019: $11million
XXXtentacion – Musician (homicide) June 18, 2018: $10million
Whitney Houston – Musician (drowning) February 11, 2012: $95million
George Harrison – Musician (cancer) November 29, 2001: $9million
