19 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 2016
Here, we explore the high-flying careers of the musicians who, with their individual flair and musical prowess, have garnered immense success and acclaim, becoming the highest earners of 2016.
1. Taylor Swift
Age: 27
Earnings: $170 million
Hits of ’16: “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Bad Blood”
Taylor Swift, with her catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, topped the list, raking in an impressive $170 million. She’s been the music industry’s golden girl, amassing a multitude of awards and continually evolving her musical style.
2. Adele
Age: 28
Earnings: $80.5 million
Hits of ’16: “Hello,” “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” “When We Were Young”
Adele’s soul-stirring voice and emotionally charged songs earned her $80.5 million. Her timeless music, marked by its depth and her powerhouse vocals, continues to captivate audiences globally.
3. Madonna
Age: 58
Earnings: $76.5 million
Hits of ’16: “Living For Love,” “Ghosttown,” “Bitch I’m Madonna”
Madonna, the ever-revolutionary Queen of Pop, secured her place with earnings of $76.5 million.
4. Rihanna
Age: 28
Earnings: $75 million
Hits of ’16: “Work,” “Needed Me,” “Love on the Brain”
The enchanting Rihanna earned $75 million, becoming a musical icon with her versatile sound and fashion-forward style. Rihanna’s chart-topping hits and avant-garde style continue to shape musical trends and fashion statements.
5. Garth Brooks
Age: 54
Earnings: $70 million
Hits of ’16: “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance,” “Ask Me How I Know”
Garth Brooks, with his heartfelt country tunes and magnetic presence, earned $70 million. He is a staple in country music, blending elements of rock with traditional country sounds.
6. Calvin Harris
Age: 32
Earnings: $63 million
Hits of ’16: “This Is What You Came For,” “My Way,” “How Deep Is Your Love”
Calvin Harris, the master of electronic beats, amassed $63 million with his infectious tunes and high-profile collaborations. He has become a pivotal figure in the EDM scene, crafting chart-topping hits and electrifying crowds with his dynamic performances.
7. Diddy
Age: 47
Earnings: $62 million
Hits of ’16: “Finna Get Loose,” “You Could Be My Lover,” “Auction”
Diddy, with his multifaceted career spanning music, business, and fashion, secured $62 million.
8. Bruce Springsteen
Age: 67
Earnings: $60.5 million
Bruce Springsteen, the embodiment of rock ‘n’ roll spirit, earned $60.5 million, continuing to captivate audiences with his powerful music and compelling storytelling.
9. Paul McCartney
Age: 74
Earnings: $56.5 million
Paul McCartney, one of the legendary Beatles, accumulated $56.5 million. His unparalleled contributions to music and his ability to blend various musical styles have solidified his status as a musical icon.
10. Justin Bieber
Age: 22
Earnings: $56 million
Hits of ’16: “Love Yourself,” “Sorry,” “What Do You Mean?”
Justin Bieber, the pop sensation, garnered $56 million with his catchy tunes and massive fan following. His journey from a teenage YouTube sensation to a global pop icon has been marked by a series of chart-busting albums and countless awards.
11. Kenny Chesney
Age: 48
Earnings: $56 million
Hits of ’16: “Setting the World on Fire,” “Noise”
Kenny Chesney, with his smooth country tunes and relatable lyrics, earned $56 million.
12. Beyoncé
Age: 35
Earnings: $54 million
Hits of ’16: “Formation,” “Sorry,” “Hold Up”
Beyoncé, the dynamic and influential artist, made $54 million. Her groundbreaking music, stunning visuals, and powerful performances have established her as one of the most revered artists in the world.
13. Jay Z
Age: 47
Earnings: $53.5 million
Jay Z, the master of hip-hop and business mogul, amassed $53.5 million.
14. Luke Bryan
Age: 40
Earnings: $53 million
Hits of ’16: “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “Move”
Luke Bryan, with his charismatic voice and relatable lyrics, earned $53 million. His heartfelt and energetic country tunes continue to resonate with fans.
14. Toby Keith
Age: 55
Earnings: $47.5 million
Hits of ’16: “A Few More Cowboys”
Toby Keith, the country music sensation and patriotic songwriter, secured $47.5 million.
14. Elton John
Age: 69
Earnings: $42 million
Elton John, the legendary musician known for his captivating melodies and flamboyant performances, secured $42 million.
15. Katy Perry
Age: 32
Earnings: $41 million
Hits of ’16: “Rise”
Katy Perry, with her colorful persona and pop anthems, earned $41 million. She has been a constant presence in the pop scene, delivering hit after hit and dazzling audiences with her vibrant performances.
16. Dr. Dre
Age: 51
Earnings: $41 million
Dr. Dre, the influential producer and rapper, amassed $41 million. His innovative beats and entrepreneurial ventures have had a profound impact on the music industry, shaping the sound of hip-hop and creating a legacy that continues to influence artists across genres.
17. Jimmy Buffett
Age: 70
Earnings: $40.5 million
Jimmy Buffett, the creator of the laid-back beach sound, accumulated $40.5 million. His distinctive musical style and Margaritaville brand have turned him into a symbol of the relaxed, tropical lifestyle, captivating audiences for decades.
18. Jennifer Lopez
Age: 47
Earnings: $39.5 million
Hits of ’16: “Ain’t Your Mama”
Jennifer Lopez, the versatile artist known for her singing, acting, and dancing, secured $39.5 million.
19. Drake
Age: 30
Earnings: $38.5 million
Hits of ’16: “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” “Controlla”
Drake, the Toronto-based rapper, amassed $38.5 million with his smooth flow and catchy beats. His ability to blend rap with R&B elements has earned him widespread acclaim, making him one of the most successful artists in contemporary hip-hop.
To compile the list of the highest-earning musicians globally, Forbes examined pretax income from June 1, 2015, to June 1, 2016, without deducting fees for agents, managers, and lawyers. Forbes utilized data from Nielsen SoundScan, Pollstar, the RIAA, and also conducted interviews with people within the industry to get the most accurate and comprehensive insights into the earnings of these musical giants.
