Top 10 Forbes’ Highest-Paid Musicians of 2024
From hip-hop moguls to country crooners and pop icons.
Let’s dive into the list of Top 10 Forbes’ Highest-paid Musicians of 2024 and see what makes them not just talented, but also ridiculously rich.
1. Jay-Z – $2.5 Billion
Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is no stranger to top musician lists, and it’s no surprise to see him leading this one. From his early beginnings in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to becoming a hip-hop icon, Jay-Z’s journey is the stuff of legends.
Money Makers: Apart from his music sales and sold-out tours, Jay-Z is a savvy businessman. From the clothing line Rocawear to the premium champagne brand Armand de Brignac and his recent cannabis venture, Jay-Z has hands in multiple lucrative pots. But that’s not all; his music streaming service, TIDAL, and his entertainment company, Roc Nation, have also added a hefty sum to his empire.
2. Bono – $1.7 Billion
Bono, aka Paul David Hewson, isn’t just your average rockstar. This guy’s journey with U2 is like something out of a movie, catapulting the band to worldwide fame faster than you can say “rock on!”
But hold up, Bono’s is also a superhero in the world of activism and charity. Fighting poverty and AIDS in Africa? Yeah, that’s just another day in the life of Bono.
Money Makers: Ever heard of Elevation Partners? That’s his gig—a fancy-schmancy private equity firm all about media and entertainment investments.
3. Rihanna – $1.4 Billion
Representing both the USA and Barbados, Robyn Rihanna Fenty is not just a music icon but a global brand. And while her music has won her multiple awards, it’s her ventures outside music that’s placed her so high on this list.
Money Makers: Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line revolutionized the beauty industry by championing inclusivity. Then there’s Savage X Fenty, her lingerie line, and her luxury fashion house under LVMH.
4. Andrew Lloyd Webber – $1.25 Billion
Not every name on this list hails from pop or hip-hop. Andrew Lloyd Webber, a titan in the world of musical theatre, has been responsible for some of the most iconic musicals ever – “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” and “Evita,” to name a few.
Money Makers: Royalties from his successful shows, film adaptations, and original scores have ensured Webber’s spot among the richest. His real estate investments, including several West End theaters, have further augmented his vast wealth.
5. Paul McCartney – $1.2 Billion
A Beatle, a solo artist, a legend. Sir Paul McCartney’s musical journey spans decades, and his influence is felt across genres and generations.
Money Makers: Beyond album sales and concerts, McCartney’s wealth has grown through smart music rights acquisitions. Owning copyrights is a goldmine in the music industry, and McCartney’s extensive catalog is a testament to that.
6. Taylor Swift – $1.1 Billion
Starting as a country singer, Taylor Swift’s journey to pop stardom and immense wealth is a story of talent meeting smart decisions.
Money Makers: Album sales, sold-out tours, and endorsement deals. Additionally, Swift’s recent decision to re-record her albums, thereby owning her masters, is a financial move that will boost her earnings in the coming years.
7. Sean “Puffy” Combs – $1.0 Billion
Whether you know him as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, or just Diddy, Sean Combs is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Money Makers: His Bad Boy Entertainment launched the careers of several artists. But music aside, his ventures like the clothing line Sean John, the Ciroc vodka partnership, and his TV network, Revolt TV, have significantly bumped up his billionaire status.
8. Herb Alpert – $850 Million
A trumpeter might seem an unlikely candidate for this list, but Herb Alpert, with his band The Tijuana Brass, is a musical and business genius.
Money Makers: Alpert co-founded A&M Records, which signed artists like The Carpenters and Janet Jackson. The sale of A&M added a whopping sum to Alpert’s coffers.
9. Madonna – $850 Million
The Queen of Pop, Madonna, has been redefining music and fashion since the 80s. And while there might be younger artists on the charts, her net worth is still very much top tier.
Money Makers: Tours, album sales, merchandise, film appearances, and her Maverick Records label. Madonna’s ability to reinvent herself ensures she remains relevant and wealthy.
10. Celine Dion – $800 Million
Canada’s songbird, Celine Dion, with her powerhouse vocals, has secured her spot among the richest.
Money Makers: Apart from her music, Dion’s long-running Las Vegas residency has been incredibly profitable. Add to that her perfume line and other endorsements, and you’ve got a financial titan.
List Of The Highest Paid Musicians of 2024
| Position | Musician | Net Worth ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jay-Z | 2.5 Billion |
| 2 | Rihanna | 1.7 Billion |
| 3 | Andrew Lloyd Webber | 1.25 Billion |
| 4 | Paul McCartney | 1.2 Billion |
| 5 | Sean “Puffy” Combs | 1.0 Billion |
| 6 | Jimmy Buffett | 1.0 Billion |
| 7 | Herb Alpert | 850 Million |
| 8 | Madonna | 850 Million |
| 9 | Celine Dion | 800 Million |
| 10 | Taylor Swift | 740 Million |
