Music has personally touched the lives and ears of every single person. It is a form of art that is constantly changing and inspiring. With that, the big players in the music industry have been able to garner an astronomical net worth, becoming millionaires and even billionaires.
Let’s take a look at the richest artists in the music industry. Those who reach the billions might just surprise you. So, without further ado, check out the list!
50. Birdman: Net Worth $110 Million
Bryan “Birdman” Williams is an American rapper, executive producer, and philanthropist. In 1991, together with his brother, Ronald “Slim” Williams, they founded one of the most iconic and successful record labels in hip hop history— Cash Money Records. It featured top hits from Hip Hop’s biggest rappers such as Drake, Lil’ Wayne, and Nicki Minaj.
Although most of his wealth has come from his record label, Birdman’s music career included some time as a solo artist and as half of the hip hop duo Big Tymers. He has also released collaboration albums with Lil Wayne and Rich Gang. Today, Birdman has two children: a daughter named Bria and a son named Bryan.
49. John Deacon: Net Worth $115 Million
The bassist for Queen, John Deacon, composed several Top 10 hits for the band including “You’re My Best Friend,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “I want to Break Free.” He co-wrote hits like “Under Pressure,” “Friends Will Be Friends,” and “One Vision.” He was also involved in the financial management of the band.
He studied electronics at Chelsea College in London. In 1971, he was asked to join Queen. He is known for his electronic skills and the creation of a homemade amp called the Deacy Amp. He is an incredibly talented bassist with a vast knowledge of music.
48. Flea: Net Worth $115 Million
Michael Peter Balzary or “Flea” is one of the richest musicians in the world. He has an estimated net worth of $115 million. He was born in Melbourne, Australia, but, at the age of five, he moved to America with his family. He began his career as a trumpet player, receiving much admiration and renown from the jazz musicians of the time.
Later, he was introduced to the genre of rock music. In the 1980s, He learned to play the bass and joined a band called Tony Flow which is now known as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
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47. Paul Stanley: Net Worth $125 Million
Paul Stanley has an estimated net worth of $125 Million. This New York-born Rockstar is the lead singer of the iconic band Kiss. He isn’t just a singer though, he is a guitarist, visual artist, and songwriter for the band as well.
He has released over 19 studio albums and 11 of them have reached either gold or platinum status. Paul Stanley has received many awards over the span of his career including the Show Man of the Year Award for Classic Rock in 2008 and the Classic Gold Telly Award for a concert film called One Love Kiss.
46. David Gilmour: Net Worth $140 Million
Legendary Pink Floyd guitarist, David Gilmour has a whopping net worth of $140 million. From an early age, he was encouraged by his parents to learn how to play guitar and in 1968 he was asked to join the band. Additionally, he produced one of Pink Floyd’s albums called A Momentary Lapse of Reason.
Gilmour had a brief yet successful solo career where he released four albums. He is also the recipient of the Ivor Novello Lifetime Contribution Award and the Outstanding Contribution to Music Awarded, both given to him by the Q Awards in 2008.
45. Tony Iommi: Net Worth $140 Million
Hailing from England, Tony Iommi is a member of the iconic rock band Black Sabbath. Before his rise to fame, he was played in various rock bands titled the Rockin’ Chevrolets, Mythology, and Earth which later became Black Sabbath.
Iommi is a gifted musician who has accrued his wealth through participating in a huge variety of musical projects. He was signed by Next Films to do the background score for a series of movies that will be released on Black Sabbath. The band still comes together on occasion for reunion performances and tours.
44. Burt Bacharach: Net Worth $150 Million
Born in Kansas City but hailing from Queens, Burt Bacharach always had a strong interest in music. He attended McGill University’s Music Academy of the West and Mannes College of Music. He began his career arranging music for popular artists like Polly Bergen, Marlene Dietrich, the Ames Brothers, and Vic Damone.
In the late 1950s, he joined Hal David and together they became one of the best songwriting duos the modern music industry had ever seen. They wrote multiple no. 1 hits throughout the 1960s to 1980s and their songs are still well known and loved to this day.
43. Courtney Love: Net Worth $150 Million
Courtney Love is a singer-songwriter, actress, and musician with an impressive net worth of $150 million. Courtney Love is a beloved icon of the alternative rock genre. She is best known for her guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocal skills but also her marriage to Kurt Cobain, lead singer of the rock band Nirvana.
The two were drug abusers, passionate lovers, and style icons. They were Rock and Roll. Courtney Love’s most famous album Live Through This was released shortly after Kurt Cobain’s death, and it hit platinum. A large amount of her wealth comes from what she inherited from Cobain through Nirvana and the publishing and writing rights to all of his work.
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42. Jimmy Page: Net Worth $170 Million
One of rock’s most influential guitarists and songwriters is Jimmy Page who has an estimated net worth of $170 million. He is the founder and guitarist of the ultimate rock band, Led Zeppelin. His musical style was the draft for what later became heavy metal. He helped write many of the Led Zeppelin songs and produced all their albums.
He was born in England in 1994 and began playing guitar at the age of 13. His inspiration was Elvis Presley’s song “Baby Let’s Play House.” He took a few lessons in his earlier days but most of what he knows was self-taught and it has made him a rock legend.
41. Roger Taylor: Net Worth $170 Million
Queen is one of the most legendary rock bands in history and as one of the members, Roger Taylor is no less. Taylor is a drummer, songwriter, and musician with an estimated net worth of $170 million. Queen reached its peak popularity from 1992 to 1997 and Taylor made a large bulk of his money during that time.
He is considered one of the most influential drummers, and he has collaborated with top artists such as Eric Clapton, Elton John, and the Foo Fighters. Taylor was born in 1949 in Norfolk, England, and is the father to five children.
40. Robert Plant: Net Worth $170 Million
Led Zeppelin’s lead singer and songwriter is Robert Plant who has an estimated net worth of $170 million. Plant began his career playing for a series of other bands like Crawling King Snake and Band of Joy.
Then, in 1968, Jimmy Page was searching for a lead singer, and he chose Robert Plant for the part. Led Zeppelin was a huge success and his track “Stairway to Heaven” is still considered a huge hit today. In 1980, the band fell apart and Plant began his solo career. In total, he released nine studio albums, two compilation albums, and forty-two singles.
39. George Michael: Net Worth $175 Million
George Michael was a creative force in music and pop culture through the ‘80s. He was a record producer, singer, and songwriter from England who had a net worth of approximately $175 million. He became famous by joining the band Wham! from 1982 until 1986.
He then decided on a solo career and after having an argument with his record label Sony he left and signed with DreamWorks for £10 million. He is considered one of the most significant cultural figures of his time, known for his visual and vocal performances. George Michael was a creative and musical renegade.
38. Brian May: Net Worth $175 Million
The musician, singer, and songwriter from England Brain May has an estimated net worth of $175 million. In 1968, he formed the band Smile which only lasted for two years. After the band fell apart, he and Smile drummer, Roger Taylor, joined Freddie Mercury and John Deacon to form the legendary band—Queen.
He is quite the wordsmith, having written 22 of Queen’s hit singles including “We Will Rock You,” “The Show Must Go On,” and “Under Pressure.” He is not only musically talented but academically too. May completed a Ph.D. in astrophysics in 2008.
37. Billy Joel: Net Worth $180 Million
Billy Joel is an American classic. He is a musician, singer-songwriter, and composer with an estimated net worth of $180 million. He has been a part of the music industry since 1965. He began as a pianist for a band called the Echoes but was fired for refusing to wear the same jacket as the other band members.
Throughout his career, Joel has released 13 studio albums, toured the world many times, and has 33 Top 40 hits in America. He is the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States. He has won 6 Grammys and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
36. Usher: Net Worth $180 Million
Usher is a singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor with a net worth of $180 million. He was born in Dallas, Texas in 1978 but later moved to Georgia where his music career began. He was discovered by L.A. Reid, co-founder of record label LaFace, who offered 14-year-old Usher a recording contract.
He released his debut album, Usher, in 1994 which garnered him much recognition, and his first single “Thinking of You” hit gold status. His 2004 album, Confessions, sold over 10 million copies in the United States making it the second best-selling album of the 2000s. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time having sold over 65 million records worldwide.
35. Tony Bennett: Net Worth $200 Million
Tony Bennett had a career in the music industry for over 50 years. He is a renowned singer with an estimated net worth of $200 million. He began his career in the ‘50s and his music stayed relevant and popular through the ‘60s due to his unique style of ballads and standards.
In the ‘70s and ‘80s, he struggled with substance abuse and drug addiction, but he was able to get clean and turn his life around, rebuilding his career. He sold over 50 million albums and won many music industry awards.
34. Lars Ulrich: Net Worth $200 Million
Lars Ulrich is the drummer of the famous heavy metal band, Metallica, and has a net worth of over $200 million. He is the founding member of this highly celebrated band that revolutionized heavy metal music. Metallica was formed in 1981, with its new aggressive and fast-paced style of music known as thrash metal, they quickly rose to fame.
They made a name for themselves in mainstream Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images rock in 1991 with an album that sold over 30 million copies. Metallica is one of the biggest heavy metal bands, and Ulrich is said to be one of thrash metal’s most influential drummers.
33. Sean Lennon: Net Worth $200 Million
American songwriter, actor, singer, and guitarist Sean Lennon has a net worth of $200 million. He is the son of one of music’s most iconic couple, John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He had his first debut in the music industry at the age of five when he read a story from his mother’s album, Season of Glass.
He grew up around some of the most famous musicians of all time. They influenced his future music career. He has won many awards and with it a great fortune. He is one of the richest celebrities in Hollywood today.
32. Lou Adler: Net Worth $200 Million
Lou Adler is a record producer, director, and owner of the Roxy Theater. He is a Los Angeles-based powerhouse. He founded his first record company, Dunhill Records, in 1964 which he then sold to ABC Records for $3 million. In 1967, he founded Ode Records.
In 1972, he won two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year for “It’s Too Late” by Carole King and Album of the Year Tapestry. He produced the cult classic horror film The Rocky Horror Picture Show and directed two movies: Ladies and Gentlemen and The Fabulous Stain.
31. Ozzy Osbourne: Net Worth $220 Million
John Michael Osbourne, more famously known as Ozzy Osbourne, is a singer and songwriter with a net worth of $220 million. He is a Grammy Award winner whose musical career has lasted 40 years. His career as the lead singer of rock band Black Sabbath has branded him the “Godfather of Heavy Metal.”
He was born in Aston, Birmingham in the year 1948. He was the fourth child in a family of six children and was referred to by the nickname Ozzy since he was a boy. So naturally, the name led him to stardom.
30. David Bowie: Net Worth $230 Million
David Bowie is one of the most iconic musicians of all time. He is a British singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor with an estimated net worth of $230 million. His powerful and revolutionary singing career spanned nearly five decades. He has been performing since the age of 15 when he formed the group the Konrads.
From then on, he has created some of the most highly regarded music that is still played today. His hits include “Space Oddity,” “Fame,” “Ashes to Ashes,” “Let’s Dance,” and many more. He has won 14 awards from different music and television organizations such as the American Music Awards, Brit Awards, and BAFTA Television Awards.
29. Rod Stewart: Net Worth $235 Million
He is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer. Rod Stewart is a music legend who has managed to stay relevant and release music for decades. His series of albums called Great American Songbook have formed his career; his last installment, Fly Me to the Moon, was released in 2010. He has toured in counties all over the world such as Dubai and Malta. He has even performed at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Alt Rod Stewart attends the Sun’s Who Cares Wins Awards.
He has a large real estate portfolio featuring houses in France and Essex, a seafront house in Palm Beach, and a mansion in Beverly Hills. He is married to Penny Lancaster and is the father of eight children. His unique, raspy singing voice has branded him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
28. Master P: Net Worth $250 Million
Percy Robert Miller or Master P is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the founder and CEO of No Limit Records, a record label; the founder of P. Miller Enterprises, an entertainment conglomerate; and Better Black Television, an African- American multi-media entertainment company.
Master P is an excellent businessman who has built an empire that includes several rap labels, a clothing line, a management company, a film production company, a video game company, and a travel agency. His most successful business venture was his record label No Limit Records because it really helped formulate and build the Rap sound in the South.
27. Eric Clapton: Net Worth $250 Million
Eric Clapton is a British rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is popularly known as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He has been a part of many music groups such as Cream, MORE, Derek and the Dominos, and the Yardbirds.
He also launched a solo career. He has won 15 Grammys as a solo artist and in a group. In 2010 alone, he released an album and performed in 34 concerts in Europe and America. His skills and sound have set him apart from other guitarists and brought him fame, glory, and a lot of money!
26. Tim Rice: Net Worth $250 Million
Tim Rice is a lyricist and author from Shardeloes, United Kingdom, with an estimated net worth of $250 million. He began his career in the music industry in 1966 working for EMI Records as a management trainee. He collaborated with great artists like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, and Alan Menken.
He worked with Menken and John on the soundtracks for Aladdin and The Lion King winning them an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and a Grammy for Song of the Year for “A Whole New World.” In 2008, Rice was given a star on the Hollywood walk of fame in honor of his artistry and talent.
25. Don Henley: Net Worth $250 Million
Don Henley is one of the richest singers in the world. He is a renowned drummer, singer, and songwriter. He is the founder, drummer, and lead vocalist of the Eagles. Henley has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and won two Grammy Awards.
It is estimated that Don Henley is the fourth wealthiest drummer in the world. He was born and raised in Texas. He fell into music after being kicked off his high school football team for being too short. He decided to join the school band and found his passion.
24. Phil Collins: Net Worth $260 Million
Singer, songwriter, drummer, pianist, and actor Phil Collins has a net worth of $260 million. He was the drummer and singer of the rock band Genesis, but he received much wealth and success as a solo artist as well. Genesis sold over 150 million albums and in his solo career, Phil Collins sold 100 million albums.
Between 1984 and 1990, Collins had a streak of 13 straight Top Ten hits in the United States. He is considered one of the most successful pop singers since the ‘80s and it’s all due to his sheer talent and drive.
23. Roger Waters: Net Worth $270 Million
Roger Waters was the founder of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. He started as the bassist but transitioned to songwriter and co-lead vocalist in 1968. He had a falling out with the band and left mid-1980s and began his solo career.
He still receives a large bulk of his wealth from Pink Floyd Royalties, making money off any songs played or albums sold. Since its conception, Pink Floyd has sold over 200 million albums. He still tours today, filling stadiums across the world with loyal fans.
22. Dhani Harrison: Net Worth $275 Million
Dhani Harrison is a British singer-songwriter and composer. He is the son of Olivia and George Harris, the Beatles’ lead guitarist. His breakout into the music industry began after his father’s death. He helped complete George Harrison’s last album called Brainwashed which was released in 2002.
He then went on to form his own band thenewno2 and performed at music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza. In 2013, he launched his career as a composer and did the music for the Warner Bros. movie Beautiful Creatures. He continues to compose music and collaborate with artists today.
21. L. A. Reid: Net Worth $300 Million
An American songwriter, record producer, and record executive, L.A. Reid has a net worth of $300 million. He co-founded a record label called LaFace Records with his brother. Currently, he is the CEO of Epic Records, a recording company owned by Sony Music Entertainment.
He is most notably known for jumpstarting the careers of many popular modern-day artists. He has discovered and signed record deals with artists like Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kanye West, Usher, Outcast, and so many more. Over the years, Reid has collected three Grammys and 18 BMI awards. He is absolutely an R & B legend.
20. Sting: Net Worth $300 Million
Gordon Matthew Thomas, better known as Sting, began his journey to fame by moving from Newcastle to London. In 1977, he joined the band The Police with Stewart Copeland and Henry Padovani. The band had many popular hits such as “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne.”
Sting moved on to a solo career and released an album called The Dream of the Blue Turtles which really kickstarted his life as a solo artist. He toured all over the world, had many hits on Billboard Charts, and received many accolades.
19. Jon Bon Jovi: Net Worth $300 Million
Jon Bon Jovi is the lead singer and founder of the rock band Bon Jovi. His career began in the mid-1980s with the band. The albums Slippery When Wet and New Jersey went multi-platinum. He also gained an academy award nomination for composing the score for the movie Young Guns II.
Throughout his career, Bon Jovi split his time between the band and creating his own personal creative projects as a solo artist. In 2000, the band released an album called Crush which became popular worldwide, and it featured the smash-hit “It’s My Life.”
18. Gene Simmons: Net Worth $300 Million
Gene Simmons is an Israeli-American bassist for the legendary rock and roll band, Kiss. He was born in Israel in 1949 but by the late ‘50s, his mother moved him to New York City where his name was changed from Chaim Witz to Gene Klein.
In NYC, he was quickly exposed to comic books and rock & roll, discovered his passion, and left his rabbi lessons behind. He started a rock band, and the rest is history. He is currently writing an autobiography, creating his own magazine, designing his own clothing line, and hosting a TV show called Hit Men.
17. Neil Sedaka: Net Worth $300 Million
Celebrated singer, composer, and pianist Neil Sedaka has a net worth of $300 million. He had a 55-year long career and was a popular musician in the mid-‘60s. After he graduated high school, Sedaka and his friends started a band called The Tokens.
They had a few good songs like “While I Dream” and “I Love My Baby” but nothing major. Then, they had a hit in 1961, a song called “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” This song gained international success, it instantly became a classic all over the world and was featured in the animated film The Lion King.
16. Lady Gaga: Net Worth $320 Million
Lady Gaga is a modern-day icon. She is a singer, songwriter, and actress. In 2019, Forbes placed her 10th on the “Top-Earning Musicians of the Decade” list. Time Magazine branded her one of the most influential people in the world. In 2020, Forbes declared her one of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women.”
Since the young age of four, Lady Gaga has been singing and playing piano. After dropping out of college and moving away from her parents, Gaga finally made it big with her first album, The Fame, released in 2008. The electronic-pop album with heavy ‘80s disco influence solidified her unique sound. Paired with her eccentric, individual style, her rise to stardom was instant!
15. Keith Richards: Net Worth $340 Million
Keith Richards is a musician, singer-songwriter, and one of the members of revolutionary English rock band, the Rolling Stones. He co-wrote 14 songs with Mick Jagger that were on the list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine.
When he finished with the Rolling Stones, he decided to pursue a career as a solo artist. His debut album, Talk Is Cheap, became a certified gold record. Keith Richards was admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993. He is a talented musician, and his sound continues to be unmatched.
14. Bruce Springsteen: Net Worth $345 Million
Singer-songwriter, Bruce Springsteen, is an American musician who was been performing since 1965. He was born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1949. Springsteen was a member of the bandEarth and Steel Mill where his immense songwriting skills got him a record deal with Columbia Records.
This record deal jumpstarted his road to stardom with songs like “Born to Run,” “High Hopes,” and the American classic, “Born in the U.S.A.” He has been awarded 20 Grammys and he was initiated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
13. Ringo Star: Net Worth $350 Million
Ringo Starr is the drummer of the legendary British band The Beatles. He is also a singer-songwriter and actor. He began his music career by playing in a series of small bands until, in 1962, John Lennon asked him to be the drummer for the Beatles.
In 1989, Ringo formed his own band called Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band. They have been touring until now. In 2002, he was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. He is truly a musical legend and drummer aficionado. His contribution to the Beatles and to music as a whole is invaluable.
12. Mick Jagger: Net Worth $360 Million
Sir Michael Phillip Jagger or Mick Jagger is a British musician, singer, and songwriter. He was lead vocalist of the rock band The Rolling Stones. He has also produced and been cast in various films. His career in the music industry has lasted over fifty years. He has a unique performing style that bends traditional masculinity and leaves space for self-reflection and reinvention.
The Rolling Stones most recent tour had 147 shows and was watched by a collective audience of 4.5 million people. They toured for two years and had the highest-grossing record for three years.
11. Jimmy Buffett: Net Worth $430 Million
Jimmy Buffet is a songwriter, author, and businessman. Most of his wealth has been accrued by his music career in production, singing, and songwriting. He began his career in 1968 in Nashville, Tennessee, where he became a country singer and recorded a debut album called Down to Earth.
He combined folk and country music to create an original “gulf and Western” beach-bum kind of sound which portrayed an “island escapism” kind of life. He has recorded hit songs such as “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday” that still play today.
10. Coldplay: Net Worth $475 Million
Coldplay is made up of vocalist Chris Martin, bassist Guy Berryman, guitarist Johnny Buckland, and drummer Will Champion. Together, they are a British alternative rock band that formed at London College in 1996. Their single “Yellow,” released in 2000, led them to international fame.
Their first album Parachutes received a Mercury Prize nomination. Their second album A Rush of Blood to the Head was awarded the NME Best Album of the Year and a single on the album “Clocks” won a Grammy in 2003 for Best Record. The group is still creating and releasing chart-topping music today.
9. Elton John: Net Worth $480 Million
Sir Elton Hercules John is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. He is the second richest singer in the United Kingdom with a net worth of $480 million. He has been in the music industry for over 40 years and has sold more than 250 million records. He is considered one of the most successful artists in history.
He is a colorful and creative performer who has written countless hit songs. From 1970 to 1982 Elton John had 30 different hits on the Top 40 Charts. He has won six Grammys, four Brit Awards, one Oscar, one Tony Award, and one Golden Globe. He’s almost to an EGOT!
8. Emilio Estefan: Net Worth $500 Million
The Cuban music producer, singer, and businessman, Emilio Estefan is number eight on this list. His fortune has come from his singing and acting career. He is the organizer of many music-related events both for Hispanic and global talent. He put together the Nuestra Navidad, The Hispanic Heritage Awards, and The Latin Grammys.
In 2010, Estefan published a best-selling memoir called “The Rhythm of Success – How an Immigrant Produced his own American Dream.” Additionally, he runs serval businesses with his wife, singer Gloria Estefan, such as Cuban-themed restaurants and cafes located in Miami, and they run two hotels in Miami as well.
7. Madonna: Net Worth $580 Million
She is an icon and a household name worldwide. She is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur– Madonna. She was a brilliant performer and managed to stay relevant by constantly changing the world’s perception of her to fit the times.
She went from dance club queen to voguer to cowgirl to edgy vamp. Whatever was popular in the music industry, Madonna masterfully made it her own. She has sold over 300 million records throughout her career and the Guinness World Record named her the world’s best-selling female recording artist of all time. She is a powerhouse.
6. Dr. Dre: Net Worth $800 Million
Andre Young, known as Dr. Dre, is a tycoon. His astronomical net worth has been acquired not only by his musical pursuits but through his recording label Aftermath, Beats headphones, and the HP Notebook laptop. He is the inventor and embodiment of the harsh and powerful rap genre, gangsta rap.
His career as a rapper really took off with iconic rap group N.W.A. He has not produced an album in over 10 years, but he has helped launch the careers of so many popular rappers including Snoop Dog, 50 Cent, and Eminem. Dr. Dre revolutionized rap and the hip-hop industry.
5. Sean Combs: Net Worth $825 Million
Sean Combs is a rapper, record producer, and actor. Some of his most popular nicknames are Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy. He began his career in the music industry as an intern at Uptown Records. In 1993, He got fired and decided to start his own record label called Bad Boy Records.
He signed The Notorious B.I.G. and went on to sign artists like Faith Evans, 112, and Total. At the time, he also produced some of TLC’s big hits on their CrazySexyCool album. As a rapper, P. Diddy’s first album earned the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 1998.
4. Herb Alpert: Net Worth $850 Million
The seventy-eight-year-old American musician, Herb Alpert, has a net worth of $850 million. He was born in California and from a very young age, his mother began teaching him the violin. In 1952, he joined the American Army and performed at military ceremonies. Through this, he was able to hone his skills.
When he finished his service, He began his music career. He has won the Grammy Trustee Award, a Tony Award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and he received the National Medal of Arts Awards from former president Barak Obama.
3. Andrew Lloyd Webber: Net Worth $1.2 Billion
Hitting the top three is Andrew Lloyd Webber, a composer and theater producer and director. His most famous musicals are Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita, and The Phantom of the Opera. His plays have been put on in 148 different countries.
His music and composing style ranges from rock to pop to jazz making his musicals one of a kind. The English director was given the title of Lord by the Queen of England, and he can sit in the House of Lords in Parliament. He is an English treasure but a worldwide phenomenon.
2. Paul McCartney: Net Worth $1.28 Billion
He is one of the most famous English musicians of all time and a member of the Beatles. Paul McCartney is number two on this list with a net worth that climbs over a billion. He is a composer, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist.
His journey to stardom began as the co-vocalist and bassist of the Beatles but after the band broke up, he started a solo career. He is named one of the most successful recording artists of all time by Guinness with more than 100 million single sales, 100 million album sales, and 60 gold discs.
1. Jay Z: Net Worth $1.4 Billion
At number one is none other than, Shawn Corey Carter or the infamous, Jay Z. He is not only husband to Beyonce Knowles, but he is a rapper, record executive, and businessman. He changed the Hip Hop industry becoming one of the best-selling musicians worldwide.
He has sold over 50 million albums and 75 million singles. He has won 22 Grammys, the most ever received by a rapper, and holds the most number-one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200 list with 14 albums. He is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the Salute to Industry Icons Award at the 2018 Grammys because that’s what he truly is—an icon.
FAQs
What singer made the most money of all time? ›
Michael Jackson is the first musician to earn over $100 million in a year (1989), and has become the top-earning male soloist a record seven times.
Who are the top 50 richest musician in the world? ›...
List of top 10 richest musicians in the world 2023.
| Musicians | Net Worth | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Lloyd Webber | $1.3 Billion | United Kingdom |
| Paul McCartney | $1.28 Billion | United Kingdom |
| Sean Diddy Combs | $1 Billion | United States |
| Herb Alpert | $900 Million | United States |
Taylor Swift
Her annual salary is said to be $150 million, which is the highest reported of any musician in this guide. Swift has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, owns $90 million in real estate, and holds the record for the most one-day streams on Spotify.
Bruce Springsteen Tops 2021's (Nearly All-White Male) Highest-Paid Musicians List With $590 Million.
What is the most played song ever? ›With its catchy beat and infectious chorus, it's easy to see why it has become a new fan favorite. But just how popular is "Blinding Lights"? According to Spotify, it is currently the most listened to song on the platform, with over 3.3 billion streams.
What singer made the most money after death? ›Michael Jackson had the largest annual gain for an entertainer, living or dead, due to the $750 million sale of his half of the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalogue.
What singer is a billionaire? ›While a good portion of her net worth is from her music, Rihanna became a billionaire thanks to her fashion and makeup line Fenty. The company is valued at nearly $3 billion, and Rihanna owns half of it. Add that on to her music career, and Rihanna is one of the youngest billionaires in the world.
Who is the richest female singer? ›Rihanna – $1.7 Billion
Rihanna is by far the wealthiest female singer on the planet and is a recent addition to Forbes' list of billionaires. She has done so well that only one other woman who has a higher net worth than her is Oprah Winfrey.
1. Michael Joseph Jackson: Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, India, on August 29, 1958, and died in Los Angeles, California, on June 25, 2009. He was a songwriter, singer, and dancer, among other things.
What rock band made the most money? ›The Rolling Stones are the highest-grossing live music act of all time, collecting over $2.5 billion according to Billboard Boxscore. The band is followed by U2, who also passed two-billion mark in concert revenue.
Who is the top selling solo artist of all time? ›
| Artist | Country | Claimed sales |
|---|---|---|
| Elvis Presley | United States | 500 million |
| Michael Jackson | United States | 400 million |
| Elton John | United Kingdom | 300 million 250 million |
| Queen | United Kingdom | 300 million 250 million |
| Artist | Country of origin | Estimated sales |
|---|---|---|
| Adele | United Kingdom | 120 million |
| Britney Spears | United States | 100 million |
| Christina Aguilera | United States | 100 million |
| Cher | United States | 100 million |
| Rank | Single | Year(s) released |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Blinding Lights" | 2019 |
| 2. | "The Twist" | 1960, 1961 ( re ) |
| 3. | "Smooth" | 1999 |
| 4. | "Mack the Knife" | 1959 |
"Old Town Road" holds the record for the longest stretch at No. 1 with 19 weeks. It also became the fastest song in history to be certified diamond.
What is the most played song in America? ›...
'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' ' Is Number One.
| 1. | You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' | Barry Mann, Phil Spector, Cynthia Weil |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Never My Love | Donald & Richard Addrisi |
Michael Jackson — $400 million. Elvis Presley — $40 million. Arnold Palmer — $35 million. Charles Schulz — $34 million.
Do dead singers still get royalties? ›Only one successor member can be appointed to receive the royalties for the deceased writer's musical works. Generally, this is the beneficiary (or one of the beneficiaries) entitled to those Royalties under the will or intestacy rules applicable to the Estate.
What would Michael Jackson be worth today? ›In 2021, the Tax Court issued a ruling in favor of the estate, ruling that the estate's total combined value of the estate was $111.5 million and that the value of Jackson's name and likeness was $4 million (not the $61 million estimated by the IRS's outside expert witness).
Who is the richest black female singer? ›According to the outlet, Rihanna has an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion. The Savage X Fenty founder — who, according to CNBC, derived the vast majority of her wealth from her non-musical career — is not only the world's wealthiest Black female musician but the world's wealthiest female musician.
Who is the richest female celebrity? ›The highest-paid female entertainer in 2020 was Kylie Jenner with an annual income of 590 million U.S. dollars, a salary eclipsing every other celebrity who made it onto the ranking of top 100 earners.
What music do billionaires listen to? ›
Poorer, less-educated people tended to like country, disco, easy listening, golden oldies, heavy metal and rap. Their wealthier and better-educated counterparts preferred genres such as classical, blues, jazz, opera, choral, pop, reggae, rock, world and musical theatre, researchers found. 1. 2.
Who is the most famous singer alive? ›- The Weeknd.
- Taylor Swift.
- Bad Bunny.
- Miley Cyrus.
- Ed Sheeran.
- Justin Bieber.
- Rihanna.
- Eminem.
As of April 2023, Canadian rapper Drake is the most-streamed artist of all time on Spotify, while American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is the most-streamed female artist.
Who is the most successful entertainer of all time? ›Michael Jackson
The King of Pop's career spanned four decades and set a number of unmatched records, including over 400 million albums sold, 15 Grammy Awards, and 39 Guinness World Records.
| Michael Jackson | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Michael Joe Jackson |
| Occupations | Singer songwriter dancer record producer |
| Spouses | Lisa Marie Presley ( m. 1994; div. 1996) Debbie Rowe ( m. 1996; div. 2000) |
| Children | 3, including Paris |
Perhaps unsurprisingly, British rock band The Beatles are top of the list for best-selling artists worldwide, with 183 million units certified sales. Second is Garth Brooks with over 157 million units sales, followed by Elvis Presley with 139 million units.
What is the biggest selling rock album of all time? ›'Thriller,' Michael Jackson (1982), 34 million
When it comes to international album sales, Thriller reigns supreme, with an estimated 70 million copies sold. In the U.S., it remains No. 2, but still, from start to finish, it is one of the greatest pop-rock records ever released.
- The Beatles. The Beatles are unquestionably the best and most important band in rock history, as well as the most compelling story. ...
- The Rolling Stones. ...
- U2. ...
- The Grateful Dead. ...
- Velvet Underground. ...
- Led Zeppelin. ...
- Ramones. ...
- Pink Floyd.
1 singles by a solo artist. Mariah Carey (USA) has topped the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on 19 different occasions. Her first No.
Who has sold 100 million albums solo and in a group? ›
Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney and Phil Collins are the only musicians to have sold over 100 million albums as a solo artist and member of a group.
Who has sold the most #1 songs? ›The Beatles, unsurprisingly, lead the way with a record 20 No. 1s, all earned between 1964 and 1970.
Who just sold their music for 500 million? ›Bruce Springsteen sells music catalog to Sony in record-breaking, $500-million deal. Bruce Springsteen, seen performing on Broadway, struck the largest deal to date for rights to an artist's music assets.
Who are the top 100 richest musicians in the world? ›| Rank | Name | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jay Z | $1.4 Billion |
| 2 | Paul McCartney | $1.28 Billion |
| 3 | Andrew Lloyd Webber | $1.2 Billion |
| 4 | Herb Alpert | $850 Million |
1. Kanye West: Ye otherwise known as Kanye West currently ranks as the Richest Artiste in the world in the year 2023 according to Forbes, which is the number one Wealth and Business report Magazine in the World.
Who got more money Beyonce or Rihanna? ›Based on the numbers on Celebrity Net Worth, Rihanna is far ahead with her $1 billion empire compared to Beyonce's $500 million.
How much is Nicki Minaj worth? ›Rapper and singer-songwriter Nicki Minaj — worth an estimated $100 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com — admits she wasn't always so careful with her spending.
Who is the richest singer in America? ›...
The Richest Singers in 2022 — Ranked by Net Worth
- Rihanna (Estimated net worth: $1.4 billion)
- Madonna (Estimated net worth: $850 million) ...
- Celine Dion (Estimated net worth: $800 million) ...
- Retna - Estimated Net Worth: $5 million. ...
- Mr. ...
- Shepard Fairey - Estimated Net Worth: $15 million. ...
- Banksy - Estimated Net Worth: $20 million. ...
- David Choe - Estimated Net Worth: $200 million.
Elton John, a British singer holds British nationality and according to news, Elton John's Net Worth as of 2023 is around $550 Million. This popular personality from England has earned a decent amount of money from his profession. And in other news, Sir Elton John has left Twitter citing 'misinformation' as the reason.
Who is the most humble billionaire? ›
The CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, described as The Sage of Omaha, is one of the world's most famous humble people. He dines at the local Dairy Queen (not surprisingly, one of his investments).
Who is the richest actress in the world? ›Reese Witherspoon
Two times Golden Globe Award winner, American actress Reese is also a producer. She has also made her name as the Highest paid actress in the world. She owns Hello Sunshine, a production company and Draper James, a clothing brand. Her net worth of Reese is also in the millions, $420.
Rihanna Is America's Youngest Self-Made Billionaire.
Is Madonna a billionaire? ›Madonna's estimated net worth is an astonishing $850 million in 2023, making her one of the richest musicians in the world. Forbes has named Madonna the wealthiest female musician of all time.
Is Rihanna richer than Oprah? ›Rihanna is one of the world's few self-made female billionaires and has racked up a net worth of $1.4 billion. This makes her the richest musician in the world and the second richest female entertainer after Oprah Winfrey.
Is Rihanna richer than Oprah Winfrey? ›Rihanna's fortune currently stands at about $1.7 billion, the finance magazine tabulated. Only Oprah Winfrey surpasses her as the wealthiest female entertainer.
How much is Queen Latifah worth? ›With a resume chock full of studio albums, television shows, movies and celebrity spokesperson gigs, Queen Latifah has amassed an estimated net worth of $70 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Is Cardi B richer than Nicki Minaj? ›Is Cardi B the richest female rapper? No, Cardi B isn't the richest female rapper. That title belongs to Nicki Minaj.
Who is the best female rapper? ›When it comes to female rappers, Nicki Minaj is recognized as the best of the best. The “Super Bass” artist has officially been ranked as the best female rapper of all time by Billboard. Minaj ranked No. 10 on the list, which features a total of 50 rappers.