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25 World’s Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth & Source Of Wealth

The list of richest music artists in the world and how they have acquired their wealth over the years

It has been said that music is like an emollient; it soothes and heals the soul. And for those who are able to make music – music that appeal to an impressive number of people – the result is usual global renown and fortunes.

And for the musicians with great business acumen, the wealth from music becomes a pedestal through which to create more wealth. The result, almost always, is a staggering fortune. Just imagine the Jay-Z’s and Kanye West’s of this world and how they got to where they are today.

In this post, we’ll be sharing with you some of the wealthiest musicians in the world and how they made their fortunes.

List In Brief

  1. Kanye West

  2. Paul McCartney

  3. Jay-Z

  4. Jimmy Buffett

  5. Herb Alpert

  6. P Diddy

  7. Andrew Lloyd Webber

  8. Madonna

  9. Dre

  10. Céline Dion

  11. Bono

  12. Julio Iglesias

  13. Dolly Parton

  14. Rihanna

  15. Emilio Estefan

  16. John Elton

  17. Beyoncé

  18. Coldplay

  19. Gloria Estefan

  20. Victoria Beckham

  21. Bruce Springsteen

  22. Barbara Streisand

  23. Mick Jagger

  24. Ringo Starr

  25. Mariah Carey

Richest Music Artists, Their Net Worth & Source Of Income/Wealth

1. Kanye West

He may have changed his name to Ye, but he remains the wealthiest musician out there at the time of writing. Ye West was rich with his music, but it wasn’t until he delved into the world of entrepreneurship with his YEEZY brand, collaborating with Adidas, that he flew into the billionaires’ list.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 44 years
Net Worth 1.8 billion
Nationality American
Occupation Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur
Source Of Wealth Music, YEEZY brand

2. Paul McCartney

A former member of the Beatles, Paul McCartney is now a solo artist. However, he still earns royalties from work done with the now-defunct band. Interestingly, he’s still touring and earning great sums, adding to his fortune as a musician.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 79 years
Net Worth 1.2 billion
Nationality English
Occupation Singer, songwriter
Source Of Wealth Music, investments

3. Jay-Z

Jay-Z’s name reverberated across the financial world after Forbes announced him as the first hip hop billionaire in the world. Jay-Z made his fortune from music and his interests in companies relating to music, sports, and clothing. These companies include Rocawear, Tidal, and Roc-A-Fella Records.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 52 years
Net Worth 1 billion
Nationality American
Occupation rapper, record label owner, music producer, entrepreneur
Source Of Wealth Music, entrepreneurship

4. Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett has been decades in the music industry and made a fortune from the same. Justly regarded as a legend in this space now, the songster has also made great sums from touring, as well as from his books. In addition, a couple of other investments ensures the rhino is always pumping.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 75 years
Net Worth $900 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer, songwriter, actor, businessman
Source Of Wealth Successful album sales, touring, books

5. Herb Alpert

Alpert, part of a collective called Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, made his fortune from A&M Records, a record label he founded in collaboration with Jerry Moss. He sold the record label to PolyGram in 1986 for a princely sum of $500 million. A couple of shrewd investments have upped his fortune since the sale.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 86 years
Net Worth 860 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer, Trumpeter
Source Of Wealth Sale of A&M Records

6. P Diddy

Easily one of the richest men in world hip hop, P Diddy’s fortune comes not just from his music but his company Combs Wines & Spirits. He’d gone into a partnership with Diageo to distribute the CIROC brand of vodka, a deal that has contributed massively to his fortune. His stake in DeLeón tequila is also a key contributor to his wealth.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024
Cannes, France &Ndash; May 22: Sean Combs Attends The &Lsquo;Killing Them Softly&Rsquo; Premiere During 65Th Annual Cannes Film Festival At Palais Des Festivals On May 22, 2012, In Cannes, France. (Photo By Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Age 52 years
Net Worth 855 million
Nationality American
Occupation Rapper, music producer, entrepreneur
Source Of Wealth Music, fashion

7. Andrew Lloyd Webber

An English composer, Andre Lloyd Webber, made his fortune from his music, for which he’s also won several awards, including an Emmy. Since its debut in 1988, his composition Phantom of the Opera had grossed over $675 million, becoming the highest-grossing show in Broadway history.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

8. Madonna

Born Madonna Louise Ciccone but known mononymously as Madonna, this American singer has made such a great impact on the music scene that she’s now justly known as the queen of pop. She’s the fourth best selling. And oh, that’s where she got most of her fortune – from album sales.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 63 years
Net Worth $850 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer, songwriter, actress
Source Of Wealth music, tours

9. Dr. Dre

Dr Dre is one of the richest musicians out there, but he didn’t exactly make his fortune rapping. Instead, most of his fortune comes from Dre Electronics, which manufactures the Beats by Dre headphones, easily one of the most-loved headphones out there. So inevitably, the money rolls in.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 56 years
Net Worth 820 million
Nationality American
Occupation Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur
Source Of Wealth Music, Beats Electronics

10. Céline Dion

Celine Dion made her fortune mostly from music. Since her emergence on the global music scene, she quickly became the best-selling Canadian recording artist and the best-selling French-language artist of all time, which invariably translates to an impressive fortune. She’s also made great sums from touring but hasn’t been on the road of recent thanks to many health battles.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 53 years
Net Worth 800 million
Nationality Canadian
Occupation Singer
Source Of Wealth Music, tours

11. Bono

Bono founded the band U2 as a teenager. In the intervening years, he had sold-out concerts and delved into several businesses that ramped up his net worth. For instance, he was one of the early investors in Facebook. He’s also into real estate and is a private equity firm Elevation Partners board member.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 61 years
Net Worth 700 million
Nationality Irish
Occupation Singer, songwriter, businessman
Source Of Wealth Music, investments

12. Julio Iglesias

One of the top-selling musicians in music history, Julio Iglesias, the only Spanish singer on our list, has justly made a fortune from his music as well as touring. And he’s today justly recognized as the most commercially successful continental European singer in the world. He was a former footballer who also made great sums from services on the pitch.

Age 78 years
Net Worth $610 million
Nationality Spanish
Occupation Singer, songwriter
Source Of Wealth Music, touring

 

13. Dolly Parton

One of the oldies in America’s singing trenches, Dolly Parton is also one of the wealthiest, with a fortune of over half a billion. She made most of her fortune from her successful albums, as well as from touring. Although not as hyped as her music, her business moves have also added to her fortune.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 76 years
Net Worth $590 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman
Source Of Wealth Successful albums, touring

14. Rihanna

Listed as America’s wealthiest female musician a while back, Rihanna had noted she wasn’t expecting to make so much money, but then, according to her, she wouldn’t stop working. The songstress has made a great fortune from her successful music career, but most of her fortune comes from her Savage  X Fenty brand.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 33 years
Net Worth $550 million
Nationality Barbadian
Occupation Singer, songwriter, entrepreneur
Source Of Wealth Music, entrepreneurship

15. Emilio Estefan

Known as the “Godfather of the Miami Sound,” Emilio Estefan made his fortune from his music and was also instrumental in pushing the career of other musicians, including Shakira. Besides his professional music career, Emilio is also an actor and has made a great sum from the field, adding to his fortune.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 68 years
Net Worth $505 million
Nationality Cuban-American
Occupation Singer, record producer
Source Of Wealth Music

16. John Elton

Elton John is one of the most commercially successful musicians worldwide, with over 300 million album sales globally. Not surprisingly, he’s made a great bag from his musical success. Yeah, the bulk of his fortune comes from successful album sales as well as tours. In addition, he’s one of the open advocates for the gay community.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 74 years
Net Worth $500 million
Nationality British
Occupation Singer, pianist, composer
Source Of Wealth

17. Beyoncé

The Queen of the Bey Army joins her husband Jay-Z on our list, flashing a personal fortune of $510 million. She made her fortune from her music, entertainment company, and holdings in other companies.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 40 years
Net Worth $490 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer
Source Of Wealth Music, investments

18. Coldplay

A musical collective, Coldplay’s net worth stands at an impressive $475. The group has released several successful projects and made several tours that were just as successful, adding to an impressive collective fortune. Of this collective, tough, Chris Martin is the richest.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age Funded in 1996
Net Worth $475 million
Nationality British
Occupation A rock band comprising vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, drummer Will Champion, guitarist Jonny Buckland, and bassist Guy Berryman,
Source Of Wealth Music, touring

19. Gloria Estefan

The wife of another musician who also made it to this list, Gloria Estefan, is as accomplished as her husband, Emilio. She’s made her fortune from music and acting and has won Grammy Awards as well.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 64 years
Net Worth $470 million
Nationality Cuba American
Occupation Singer, actress
Source Of Wealth Music, acting

20. Victoria Beckham

The former Spice Girl combines many offices in one and has collectively netted a fortune from them. Talk fashion, music, TV.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 47 years)
Net Worth $445 million
Nationality British
Occupation Singer, media personality
Source Of Wealth Music, fashion, TV appearances

21. Bruce Springsteen

Famous for his “No Nukes Concerts,” Bruce Springsteen made his fortunes from music and merch sales, as well as from live performances, which are usually thronged. He also made a substantial sum from his autobiography.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 72 years
Net Worth $$430 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer, songwriter
Source Of Wealth Music, touring

22. Barbara Streisand

Years after she rocked the music world with her angelic voice, Barbra Streisand is still relevant, and her music is still being enjoyed worldwide. The money follows, of course. She made her fortune from successful albums and touring.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 79 years
Net Worth $390 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer
Source Of Wealth Music, touring

23. Mick Jagger

Another legendary figure on the list! Sir Mick Jagger is one of the original members of the celebrated band Rolling Stones. He may not be as active as he was in his younger days, but the songster and his band, who have deeply influenced the likes of Coldplay and Maroon 5, earn over $80 million annually in royalties alone.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 78 years
Net Worth $360 million
Nationality English
Occupation singer, songwriter, actor, film producer
Source Of Wealth music, touring

24. Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr was a drummer for the Beatles’ English collective and made his fortune as part of that body, which remains famous long after its demise. The celebrated drummer made his fortune from music and touring and was listed in 2020 as the wealthiest drummer in the world.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 81 years
Net Worth $350 million
Nationality British
Occupation Singer, songwriter, drummer, actor
Source Of Wealth Music, acting

25. Mariah Carey

At 52, Mariah Care is one American singers who have managed to stay relevant for decades.  With over five dozen songs and over two dozen albums, the songstress has snapped a spot among the top musicians in the United States with a net worth of over 300 million – a fortune that came not just from album sales but tours and residencies as well.

25 World'S Richest Musicians, Their Net Worth &Amp; Source Of Wealth, Yours Truly, Articles, March 29, 2024

Age 52 years
Net Worth 300 million
Nationality American
Occupation Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Record Producer
Source Of Wealth Albums, tours, residencies

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