7 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 1989
In 1989, the world danced and swayed to the beats of iconic musicians who not only ruled the charts but also the Forbes‘ list of the highest-paid performers.
1. Michael Jackson
Age: 31
Earnings: $125 million (for 1988 and 1989)
Hits of ‘89: “Leave Me Alone”, “Smooth Criminal”
The eternally sensational Michael Jackson clinched the top spot for the second consecutive year with a jaw-dropping earning of $125 million over two years. The world continued to be enthralled by the ‘King of Pop’ and his musical innovations. Known for his groundbreaking albums “Bad” and “Thriller”, Michael continued to pioneer in music, dance, and entertainment. The ‘Bad’ concert tour alone garnered more than $125 million, a testament to his enduring and universal appeal.
2. George Michael
Age: 26
Earnings: $47 million
Hits of ‘89: “Freedom”, “Kissing a Fool”
George Michael, the silken-voiced crooner, swayed the world with his sultry tunes and diverse musical explorations. His heartfelt compositions and captivating voice had a magnetic charm, connecting deeply with his fans around the world.
3. Madonna
Age: 31
Earnings: $43 million
Hits of ‘89: “Like a Prayer”, “Express Yourself”
Madonna, the provocateur and the visionary, continued to challenge musical norms and redefine pop culture. The ‘Queen of Pop’ was not just a musical icon but a trendsetter, influencing fashion, music videos, and dance with her versatile and evocative performances.
4. Bruce Springsteen
Age: 40
Earnings: $40 million
Hits of ‘89: “I’m Goin’ Down”, “Born in the U.S.A.”
Bruce Springsteen, a.k.a. ‘The Boss,’ with his vibrant rock anthems and profound lyrics, continued to resonate with fans globally.
5. Prince
Age: 31
Earnings: (>$20 million)
Hits of ‘89: “Batdance”, “Partyman”
Prince, the enigmatic and multifaceted artist, continued to enchant the world with his unique sound, flamboyant style, and musical genius. Known for his eclectic and expansive musical style, he blurred the lines between different music genres, creating a sound that was distinctly his.
6. Rod Stewart
Age: 44
Earnings: (> $20 million)
Hits of ‘89: “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”, “Downtown Train”
Rod Stewart, with his distinctive raspy voice and energetic performances, rocked the music scenes with his eclectic tunes. His music, a vibrant tapestry of rock, pop, and blues, captivated the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
7. Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)
Age: 30
Earnings: (> $20 million)
Hits of ‘89: “Rocket”, “Love Bites”
Def Leppard, with Joe Elliott as the striking frontman, was synonymous with a rebellious and innovative spirit in the hard rock genre. Their music, a mix of aggressive guitar riffs, anthemic choruses, and polished production, encapsulated the energy and dynamism of the era. Joe, with his distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence, played a pivotal role in the band’s meteoric rise to rock stardom.
