20 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 2015
Let’s dive into the list of musicians who not only rocked the charts, but also became the highest paid in 2015.
1. Katy Perry
Age: 31
Earnings: $135 million
Hits of ’15: “Roar,” “Dark Horse,” “This is How We Do”
Katy Perry, the colorful and vibrant pop icon, topped the chart with a whopping $135 million in earnings, her energetic performances and catchy tunes enchanting fans across the globe. Known for her dazzling stage setups and quirky outfits, Katy has become synonymous with modern pop music, with her chart-toppers becoming anthems for millions.
2. Garth Brooks
Age: 53
Earnings: $90 million
Hits of ’15: “People Loving People,” “Mom”
With $90 million in earnings, the iconic country music star Garth Brooks has proven that timeless music and a deep connection with fans are a recipe for enduring success.
3. Taylor Swift
Age: 25
Earnings: $80 million
Hits of ’15: “Shake It Off,” “Bad Blood,” “Blank Space”
Taylor Swift, the young pop sensation, known for her catchy tunes and powerful lyrics, raked in $80 million. Her ability to connect with fans through her music and her constant evolution as an artist have cemented her place as one of the defining pop stars of her generation.
4. Calvin Harris
Age: 31
Earnings: $66 million
Hits of ’15: “Outside,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Pray to God”\
Calvin Harris, the renowned DJ and music producer, kept the world dancing with his electrifying beats, earning him $66 million. His innovative sound and pulsating rhythms are a staple in clubs around the world, making him a towering figure in the electronic dance music scene.
5. Justin Timberlake
Age: 34
Earnings: $63.5 million
Hits of ’15: “Not a Bad Thing,” “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”
Justin Timberlake, the multifaceted artist with a knack for delivering hits across genres, earned $63.5 million.
6. Diddy
Age: 46
Earnings: $60 million
Sean Combs, aka Diddy, the hip-hop mogul with a Midas touch, amassed $60 million. More than just a musician, Diddy’s ventures span the realms of fashion, spirits, and media, and his innovative approach to business has made him one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.
7. Lady Gaga
Age: 29
Earnings: $59 million
Hits of ’15: “Til It Happens to You,” “I Want Your Love”
Lady Gaga, with her avant-garde style and provocative music, secured $59 million. Known for pushing boundaries and her theatrical performances, Gaga continues to be a trailblazer in the music industry.
8. Ed Sheeran
Age: 24
Earnings: $57 million
Hits of ’15: “Thinking Out Loud,” “Photograph,” “Bloodstream”
Ed Sheeran, the melodic maestro with a gift for crafting emotive tunes, earned $57 million. His heartfelt lyrics and distinctive sound have made him a favorite among music aficionados.
9. Jay Z
Age: 45
Earnings: $56 million
Jay Z, the rap icon and successful entrepreneur, accumulated $56 million. His groundbreaking music and sharp business acumen have made him a significant influence in both the music and business worlds. With ventures like Tidal, Jay Z continues to shape the music industry’s future.
10. Beyoncé
Age: 34
Earnings: $54.5 million
Hits of ’15: “7/11,” “Runnin’ (Lose It All),” “Feeling Myself”
Beyoncé, music royalty known for her powerful vocals and electrifying performances, earned $54.5 million. With a string of hits and a reputation for delivering unforgettable shows, Beyoncé continues to reign supreme in the music industry.
11. Elton John
Age: 68
Earnings: $53.5 million
Sir Elton John, the legendary singer and composer, accumulated $53.5 million with his timeless music.
12. Toby Keith
Age: 54
Earnings: $53 million
Hits of ’15: “35 MPH Town,” “Drunk Americans”
Toby Keith, with his distinctive voice and relatable lyrics, amassed $53 million. A true country music heavyweight, Toby’s songs resonate deeply with his fan base, making him one of the most successful artists in the country music scene.
13. Paul McCartney
Age: 73
Earnings: $51.5 million
Sir Paul McCartney, with his enchanting melodies and legendary status, earned $51.5 million.
14. Michael Buble
Age: 40
Earnings: $45.5 million
Hits of ’15: “Nobody but Me,” “I Believe in You”
Michael Buble, known for his smooth voice and classic standards, earned $45.5 million.
15. Jason Aldean
Age: 38
Earnings: $43.5 million
Hits of ’15: “Burnin’ It Down,” “Just Gettin’ Started”
Jason Aldean, blending country music with a rock flair, secured $43.5 million. His dynamic performances and catchy tunes have positioned him as a prominent figure in the contemporary country music landscape.
16. Luke Bryan
Age: 39
Earnings: $42.5 million
Hits of ’15: “Kick the Dust Up,” “Strip It Down”
Luke Bryan, the charismatic country music star, brought in $42.5 million. Known for his energetic shows and relatable lyrics, Luke has captured the hearts of country music fans around the world.
17. Kenny Chesney
Age: 47
Earnings: $42 million
Hits of ’15: “Save It for a Rainy Day,” “Wild Child”
Kenny Chesney, with his distinctive sound and compelling storytelling, earned $42 million.
18. Bruno Mars
Age: 30
Earnings: $40 million
Hits of ’15: “Uptown Funk,” “Locked Out of Heaven”
Bruno Mars, the versatile artist known for his infectious tunes and impeccable stage presence, earned a substantial $40 million. He has the uncanny ability to transcend genres, merging elements of pop, R&B, funk, and reggae to create timeless hits.
19. Drake
Age: 29
Earnings: $39.5 million
Hits of ’15: “Hotline Bling,” “Energy,” “Know Yourself”
Drake, the innovative hip-hop artist known for his versatile flow and introspective lyrics, amassed $39.5 million.
20. Tim McGraw
Age: 48
Earnings: $38 million
Hits of ’15: “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools,” “Top of the World”
Tim McGraw, the country music storyteller with a knack for touching hearts, earned $38 million.
