12 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 1994
Time to waltz down the memory lane with Forbes’ list of Top-Earning Musicians from 1994.
1. Barbra Streisand
Age: 52
Net Worth: $57 million
Hits of ’94: With no official releases this year, her lasting power came from her incredible backlog!
Barbra Streisand, often hailed as the “Queen of The Music Industry,” secured her throne this year. This multitalented artist – a singer, actress, and filmmaker – showcased versatility like no other, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of her indomitable spirit and immense talent.
2. Garth Brooks
Age: 32
Net Worth: $41 million
Hits of ’94: “Standing Outside the Fire,” “Callin’ Baton Rouge”
With a cowboy hat atop and a guitar in hand, Garth Brooks dominated the country music scene, blending traditional tunes with rock elements, bringing country music to the forefront of mainstream media.
3. Billy Joel
Age: 45
Net Worth: $40 million
Hits of ’94: “All About Soul,” “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)”
Billy Joel, the artist who painted stories with his songs and enthralled the masses with his piano skills, was another big earner of ’94. His poignant lyrics and eclectic musical style resulted in a multifaceted discography, ranging from jazz to pop. “All About Soul” and “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” were the anthems of the year.
4. Michael Jackson
Age: 35
Net Worth: $38 million
With revolutionary music videos, infectious beats, and dance moves that became cultural phenomena, Michael Jackson reigned supreme in the music world.
5. Elton John
Age: 47
Net Worth: $33 million
Hits of ’94: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Circle of Life”
With flamboyant outfits and dazzling performances, Sir Elton John brought a unique flair to the music industry. ’94 saw him creating timeless pieces for Disney’s “The Lion King,” with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life” becoming instant classics.
6. Whitney Houston
Age: 31
Net Worth: $33 million
Hits of ’94: “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)”
Whitney Houston, with her powerful and emotive voice, was the definition of a vocal powerhouse. Her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” had already cemented her legacy, and in ’94, “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” continued to showcase her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
7. Eric Clapton
Age: 49
Net Worth: $29 million
Hits of ’94: “I’m Tore Down,” “Motherless Child”
Eric Clapton, the man who made guitars weep, was the epitome of rock and blues in ’94. With hits like “I’m Tore Down” and “Motherless Child,” he demonstrated his exceptional guitar skills and soulful voice, earning admiration from peers and fans alike.
8. Paul McCartney
Age: 52
Net Worth: $29 million
Sir Paul McCartney, one-fourth of the iconic Beatles, was already a living legend by ’94, seamlessly blending pop, rock, and classical music. Though the year was marked more by his mesmerizing tours, his song “Hope of Deliverance” from late ’93 continued to resonate with fans.
9. Julio Iglesias
Age: 51
Net Worth: $28 million
Hits of ’94: “Crazy” and “Mammy Blue”
Julio Iglesias, with his velvety voice and romantic tunes, was the go-to musician for anyone looking to dive into a sea of love and emotions in 1994.
10. Rod Stewart
Age: 49
Net Worth: $27 million
Hits of ’94: “All for Love,” “Having a Party”
Rod Stewart, with his distinctive raspy voice and electrifying performances, infused the music scene with his spirited rock tunes in ’94. His collaboration for “All for Love” and the infectious “Having a Party” showcased his versatile musical palette, blending rock, pop, and R&B elements.
11. Jimmy Buffett
Age: 47
Net Worth: $26 million
Hits of ’94: “Fruitcakes” and “Pacing the Cage”
Jimmy Buffett transported listeners to a tropical paradise with his carefree and breezy tunes in 1994. “Fruitcakes” and “Pacing the Cage” were the anthems for anyone looking to escape the mundane and dive into an island escapade.
12. Billy Ray Cyrus
Age: 32
Net Worth: $25 million
Hits of ’94: “Words By Heart” and “Somebody New”
Billy Ray Cyrus, the country sensation, kept the boots tapping and hearts throbbing in ’94 with “Words By Heart” and “Somebody New.” With his mullet hairstyle and charismatic presence, he brought a fresh and energetic vibe to the country music scene.
