26 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 2014
Let’s hit the high notes with the maestros who made a ton in 2014!
1. Dr. Dre
Age: 49
Earnings: $620 million
Dr. Dre took the industry by storm, not through his iconic rap tunes, but with a staggering business deal, turning the table on what it means to be a successful musician. His deal with Apple for his high-end headphones line, Beats by Dre, broke records.
2. Beyoncé
Age: 33
Earnings: $115 million
Hits of ’14: “Drunk in Love,” “Partition,” “Flawless”
Beyoncé, with her fierce tunes and electrifying performances, held the world captive. She raked in millions with her chart-busting album and the lucrative “On the Run Tour” with Jay-Z.
3. Bruce Springsteen
Age: 65
Earnings: $81 million
Bruce Springsteen, the enduring icon of rock, continued to fill stadiums, resonating with fans old and new with his anthemic sound and raw, passionate performances, solidifying his status as a living legend in the realms of music.
4. Justin Bieber
Age: 20
Earnings: $80 million
Hits of ’14: “Confident”
Justin Bieber, amidst a sea of controversies, kept the cash registers ringing with his music sales and other ventures.
5. Paul McCartney
Age: 72
Earnings: $71 million
Sir Paul McCartney, one of the pillars of modern music, enthralled the global audience with his timeless tunes and live shows, earning millions.
6. Calvin Harris
Age: 30
Earnings: $66 million
Hits of ’14: “Summer,” “Blame,” “Outside”
Calvin Harris turned the electronic dance music scene into a playground of pulsating beats and hypnotic rhythms, bagging millions with his chart-topping hits and high-energy shows.
7. Toby Keith
Age: 53
Earnings: $65 million
Hits of ’14: “Drunk Americans,” “Shut Up and Hold On”
Toby Keith, with his relatable tunes and business ventures, kept the country spirit high and the dollars rolling in, merging his musical prowess with his entrepreneurial spirit.
8. Taylor Swift
Age: 24
Earnings: $64 million
Hits of ’14: “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Bad Blood”
Taylor Swift, the darling of pop and country, continued her ascent to global stardom with her catchy tunes and savvy business moves.
9. Jay Z
Age: 45
Earnings: $60 million (tie)
Jay-Z, the embodiment of the hip-hop entrepreneur, expanded his empire and influence, securing his position as a powerhouse in the music and business world.
10. Bruno Mars
Age: 29
Earnings: $60 million (tie)
Hits of ’14: “Uptown Funk”
Bruno Mars, with his eclectic sound and magnetic charm, wooed the world, showcasing his versatility and musical brilliance, blending genres and generating millions.
11. Diddy
Age: 45
Earnings: $60 million (tie)
Diddy, the man who wears many hats – rapper, producer, actor, and entrepreneur – further solidified his empire in 2014. Although he didn’t release any major hits that year, his ventures, including his record label Bad Boy and his clothing lines, kept the cash flowing.
12. Justin Timberlake
Age: 33
Earnings: $57 million
Hits of ’14: “Not a Bad Thing,” “Love Never Felt So Good”
Justin Timberlake, the multifaceted entertainer, blended his smooth vocals with infectious beats, showcasing his versatility and artistic evolution.
13. Pink
Age: 35
Earnings: $52 million
Hits of ’14: “Just Give Me a Reason,” “True Love”
Pink soared high, both literally with her aerial performances and financially.
14. Michael Bublé
Age: 39
Earnings: $51 million
Michael Bublé serenaded the world with his smooth and timeless sound, bringing back the classic charm of crooning to the modern audience.
15. Rihanna
Age: 26
Earnings: $48 million
Hits of ’14: “Monster,” “Can’t Remember to Forget You”
Rihanna, with her infectious tunes and edgy style, continued to rule the charts.
16. Roger Waters
Age: 71
Earnings: $46 million
Hits of ’14: Recognized more for his legendary contributions with Pink Floyd and his solo works.
Roger Waters, the creative force behind many of Pink Floyd’s iconic albums, continued to influence the rock scene with his profound musical narratives and innovative soundscapes.
17. Elton John
Age: 67
Earnings: $45 million
Elton John, the man behind the piano and the countless timeless hits, sustained his musical journey with his distinctive sound and flamboyant performances.
18. Kenny Chesney
Age: 46
Earnings: $44 million
Hits of ’14: “American Kids,” “Til It’s Gone”
Kenny Chesney brought the essence of country living to the music scene, blending heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies. His tours and album sales ensured his place among the top earners.
19. Katy Perry
Age: 30
Earnings: $40 million
Hits of ’14: “Dark Horse,” “This Is How We Do”
Katy Perry illuminated the pop world with her vibrant sounds and colorful imagery.
20. Jason Aldean
Age: 37
Earnings: $37 million (tie)
Hits of ’14: “Burnin’ It Down,” “Sweet Little Somethin’”
Jason Aldean mixed the heart of country with the energy of rock, bringing a unique sound to the fans.
21. Jennifer Lopez
Age: 45
Earnings: $37 million (tie)
Hits of ’14: “Booty,” “First Love”
Jennifer Lopez, the multifaceted star, combined her infectious music with her dynamic presence, maintaining her position as a global icon.
22. Miley Cyrus
Age: 22
Earnings: $36 million (tie)
Hits of ’14: “Wrecking Ball,” “We Can’t Stop”
Miley Cyrus made waves with her bold transformations and hit songs. The pop sensation continued to reinvent herself.
23. Celine Dion
Age: 46
Earnings: $36 million (tie)
Celine Dion’s breathtaking vocals and emotive performances kept her in the hearts of fans worldwide. Although she didn’t release any major hits this year, her timeless classics and the sheer power of her voice continued to resonate.
24. Luke Bryan
Age: 38
Earnings: $34 million (tie)
Hits of ’14: “Play It Again,” “Roller Coaster”
Luke Bryan captured hearts with his catchy tunes and charming persona. His blend of relatable lyrics and infectious melodies made him a darling of the country music world.
25. Lady Gaga
Age: 28
Earnings: $33 million (tie)
Hits of ’14: “G.U.Y.,” “Do What U Want”
Lady Gaga, the queen of avant-garde pop, continued to dazzle with her outlandish outfits and groundbreaking music.
26. Drake
Age: 28
Earnings: $33 million (tie)
Hits of ’14: “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” “0 to 100 / The Catch Up”
Drake, with his smooth flows and introspective lyrics, remained a significant presence in the hip-hop scene. His ability to blend vulnerability with swagger created a unique sound, reaffirming his status as one of the voices of his generation in the hip-hop world.
Final Notes on 2014’s Musical Echoes
Several musicians raked in millions, touching the double-digit mark, yet didn’t quite make it to the Top. The list of these near-misses includes notable names like Britney Spears, Avicii, Kanye West, Madonna, Macklemore, David Guetta, Lil Wayne, Tiesto, and Birdman.
To construct this year’s list, a diverse array of income streams was considered, including, but not limited to, touring, recorded music, publishing, merchandise sales, endorsements, and other ventures. It’s important to note that earnings listed are gross earnings; management, agent, and attorney fees have not been subtracted.
The earnings were calculated for the period from June 2013 to June 2014. The information was gathered from reputable sources such as Pollstar, the RIAA, and Nielsen SoundScan, and was corroborated through interviews with industry insiders like managers, lawyers, executives, and in some instances, the artists themselves.
