8 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 1992

1992 was a year of neon colors, backward baseball caps, and some undeniably iconic tunes.

Let’s take a look at the musicians who ruled the charts and Forbes list in ’92:

1. Michael Jackson

Age: 34
Earnings: $51 million
Hits of ’92: “Black or White”, “Remember the Time”

Michael Jackson, dubbed the King of Pop, continued to redefine the music industry with his innovative sounds and unparalleled dance moves. Despite releasing only two albums in the preceding decade, the monumental success of “Thriller” and “Bad”, with combined sales of over 60 million copies, propelled Michael to unprecedented heights of fame and fortune.

2. Madonna

Age: 34
Earnings: $48 million
Hits of ’92: “Erotica”, “This Used to Be My Playground”

Madonna, the Queen of Pop, with her provocative imagery and versatile music, continued to push the boundaries of the mainstream music scene.

3. Julio Iglesias

Age: 48
Earnings: $48 million
Hits of ’92: “Crazy”, “When You Tell Me That You Love Me”

Julio Iglesias, with his velvety voice and romantic ballads, continued to serenade the world. His multilingual music repertoire allowed him to reach a diverse global audience.

4. Prince

Age: 34
Earnings: $45 million
Hits of ’92: “Sexy MF”, “My Name Is Prince”

Prince, the multi-instrumentalist and innovator, remained a monumental figure in the music world with his eclectic sound and flamboyant stage presence.

5. Garth Brooks

Age: 30
Earnings: $44 million
Hits of ’92: “The River”, “We Shall Be Free”

Garth Brooks, with his charismatic performances and impactful storytelling, remained a dominant figure in the country music scene.

6. Hammer

Age: 29
Earnings: $28 million
Hits of ’92: “2 Legit 2 Quit”, “Addams Groove”

MC Hammer, with his catchy hooks and dynamic dance moves, brought rap music to the mainstream audience. Hammer’s flashy style and infectious rhythms created a cultural phenomenon, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the early ’90s music scene.

7. Frank Sinatra

Age: 76
Earnings: $23 million

Frank Sinatra, even at 76, remained a living legend in the music industry. Sinatra’s timeless appeal and his rich musical legacy have secured his place as one of the most influential musicians in history.

8. Janet Jackson

Age: 27
Earnings: $22 million
Hits of ’92: “That’s the Way Love Goes”, “If”

Janet Jackson, Michael’s equally talented sister, with her innovative music and socially conscious lyrics, remained a significant influence in the pop and R&B genres.