6 Forbes’ Top-Earning Musicians of 1999
1999 – the edge of the millennium! Pop was king, the boy band invasion was in full swing, and Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were the new kids on the block.
But who were the top earners?
1. Master P
Age: 38
Net Worth: $56.5 million
Master P, the iconic figure in the hip-hop community, was not just a musician but a symbol of entrepreneurial success in 1999. He made significant strides in the industry not with chartbusters but with his business acumen, founding the record label No Limit Records and venturing into various other domains like sports management and film production.
2. Celine Dion
Age: 31
Net Worth: $55.5 million
Hits of ’99: “That’s The Way It Is” and “If Walls Could Talk.”
Celine Dion, the vocal powerhouse from Canada, made ‘99 her own with hits like “That’s The Way It Is” and “If Walls Could Talk.” Her soaring vocals and emotive delivery continued to captivate audiences worldwide. With every performance, Celine set the bar higher, creating musical experiences that were both grandiose and intimate.
3. Garth Brooks
Age: 37
Net Worth: $54 million
Garth Brooks, the man who redefined country music, may have taken a sabbatical in ‘99, but his previous hits and albums continued to sell like hotcakes.
4. Sean “Puffy” Combs
Age: 30
Net Worth: $53.5 million
Hits of ’99: “PE 2000.”
Sean “Puffy” Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, was the epitome of the hip-hop lifestyle in ‘99. His hit “PE 2000” was on everyone’s playlist, but it was his overall influence on the music and fashion scene that made him a cultural icon. Puffy wasn’t just about the glitz and glamour; his music production skills were top-notch, and his label, Bad Boy Entertainment, introduced the world to some of the most influential artists in hip-hop.
5. Will Smith
Age: 31
Net Worth: $34 million
Hits of ’99: “Wild Wild West” and “Will 2K.”
Will Smith, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, kept his musical journey alive in ‘99 with the catchy tunes of “Wild Wild West” and “Will 2K.” Known for his infectious energy and versatile talent, Will’s transition from a rapper to a Hollywood A-lister didn’t diminish his musical influence.
6. Dave Matthews
Age: 32
Net Worth: Approx $30 million (entire band’s worth)
Hits of ’99: “Crush” and “Stay (Wasting Time).”
Dave Matthews, the frontman of the Dave Matthews Band, continued to weave his unique blend of musical magic in ’99. With hits like “Crush” and “Stay (Wasting Time)”, Dave’s eclectic and unorthodox approach to music garnered a massive following. His music was a rich tapestry of sounds, interweaving jazz, rock, and folk elements.
