12 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 1988
Let’s discover the musicians who not only gifted us iconic tunes but also dominated the ’98 Forbes’ list with their staggering earnings:
1. Michael Jackson
Age: 30
Earnings: $97 million ($60 million in 1988 alone)
Hits of ’88: “Man in the Mirror”, “Dirty Diana”
Michael Jackson, the revolutionary King of Pop, continued his meteoric rise in the world of music. This sensational artist’s contributions went beyond music, impacting the realms of music videos, dance, and fashion, making him the highest-paid entertainer in the world!
2. Bruce Springsteen
Age: 39
Earnings: $61 million
Hits of ’88: “One Step Up”, “Tunnel of Love”
Bruce Springsteen, known for his poignant lyrics and powerful rock anthems, resonated with fans around the world with his musical sagas and high-energy performances.
3. Madonna
Age: 30
Earnings: $46 million
Hits of ’88: “Like a Prayer”, “Express Yourself”
Madonna, the multifaceted Queen of Pop, kept pushing boundaries and redefining music with her provocative image and versatile sound.
4. George Michael
Age: 25
Earnings: $36 million
Hits of ’88: “Father Figure”, “One More Try”
George Michael, with his soulful voice and charismatic presence, ruled the charts with his melodic masterpieces and poignant lyrics.
5. Whitney Houston
Age: 25
Earnings: $30 million
Hits of ’88: “So Emotional”, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”
Whitney Houston, the embodiment of vocal elegance and emotional depth, continued to enchant the world with her divine voice and heartfelt songs.
6. Julio Iglesias
Age: 45
Earnings: $28 million
Hits of ’88: “My Love”, “Manuela”
Julio Iglesias, the master of romantic melodies, serenaded the world with his sensual voice and passionate performances.
7. Eddie Van Halen
Age: 33
Earnings: $25 million
Hits of ’88: “When It’s Love”, “Finish What Ya Started”
Eddie Van Halen, with their electrifying riffs and dynamic performances, were the harbinger of exhilarating rock vibes. Eddie Van Halen, with his groundbreaking guitar techniques, was the pulsating heart of the band, crafting music that is revered to this day.
8. Sting
Age in 1988: 37
Earnings: $24 million
Hits of ’88: “Englishman in New York”, “Be Still My Beating Heart”
Sting, the erstwhile lead singer of The Police, asserted his solo dominance in 1988 with his distinctive voice and eclectic musical stylings. His ability to meld rock, jazz, reggae, and world music made him a standout artist of the year.
9. Prince
Age in 1988: 30
Earnings: $24 million
Hits of ’88: “Alphabet St.”, “Glam Slam”
Prince, the genre-defying genius, solidified his status as one of the most innovative and singular musicians of the era. His fusion of various music genres and his flamboyant and eclectic style made him a symbol of artistic freedom and individuality.
10. John Cougar Mellencamp
Age in 1988: 37
Earnings: $23 million
Hits of ’88: “Check It Out”, “Rooty Toot Toot”
John Cougar Mellencamp maintained his status as a lyrical raconteur, penning poignant, insightful anthems about everyday life and the human condition. Mellencamp’s music, deeply rooted in rock, folk, and blues, resonated with a broad audience, earning him a spot amongst the highest earners of the year.
11. Billy Joel
Age in 1988: 39
Earnings: $18 million
Hits of ’88: “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “I Go to Extremes”
Billy Joel, known as the Piano Man, captivated audiences in 1988 with his melodic tunes and relatable lyrics. His unique blend of pop and rock and his storytelling prowess set him apart as a musical icon.
12. Frank Sinatra
Age in 1988: 72
Earnings: $16 million (At the bottom of the list, but not least by any means.)
Frank Sinatra, the iconic voice of multiple generations, continued to swoon listeners in 1988. Ol’ Blue Eyes’ enduring charm and timeless discography sustained his commercial success.
