Top 10 Richest Musicians

From hip-hop artists like Jay-Z to global pop icons like Taylor Swift, top musicians are some of the richest people in the world. Whether it’s the album sales, lucrative brand deals, or business endeavors, we have curated a list of the ten richest musicians in the world and how they achieved this status.

10. Beyonce - $800 Million

With a net worth of $800 million as of October 2024, Beyoncé drops next on this list of richest musicians in the world. Her net worth is largely driven by her highly lucrative tours, which bring in around $80 million each year. Beyoncé’s business acumen also contributes significantly. She signed a three-project deal with Netflix in 2018 valued at $60 million. The 32 Grammy award winner in 2010 started a fragrance line which has bought in a total revenue of $500 million so far. Beyond music and fragrances, Beyoncé has secured major endorsement deals, including a $20 million contract with Coty for her signature fragrance. Her real estate investments are also notable, with properties like the $88 million Bel Air mansion acquired in 2017 and a $200 million Malibu estate purchased in 2023 along with her husband Jay-Z.

9. Madonna - $850 Million

Madonna, the "Queen of Pop," has an impressive net worth of $850 million. Her career took off in the early 80s with hits like "Everybody" and "Like a Virgin," which set the stage for a string of chart-topping albums and iconic music videos. By far, her music tours have collectively grossed $1.72 billion including her most recent The Celebration Tour which bought in $225 million sold 1.1 million tickets over 80 shows. Her 2008-09 "Sticky & Sweet Tour" grossed $411 million, making it the highest-grossing solo tour for many years. Taking about her movie career, by 1996, Madonna had a total earning of $4.65 million from films which sits close to $10 million in 2024 when adjusted with inflation. Beyond her music, Madonna co-founded Maverick Records, which brought her a $60 million advance and significant royalties. Her fashion ventures, including "Material Girl" and "Truth or Dare by Madonna," further bolstered her wealth.

MDNA also reportedly owns $100 million worth of Blue-Chip art. Madonna's real estate investments are equally impressive. She owns a range of properties, including a $20 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California, and a historic $9 million estate in Portugal. Additionally, her art collection, valued at over $100 million, features works by Frida Kahlo and Damien Hirst.

8. Herb Alpert - $850 Million

Herb Alpert is a renowned American musician and music executive with an impressive net worth of $850 million. Best known as the trumpet player who led Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass band, he skyrocketed to fame in the 1960s, even outselling the Beatles with over 13 million albums sold. His wealth is largely attributed to his co-founding of A&M Records with Jerry Moss which he sold to Polygram Records for $500 million in 1989. He also received an additional $200 million payout after a legal victory against PolyGram. Moreover, the sale of his music publishing company, Rondor Music in 2000 brought in another $400 million.

7. Paul McCartney - $1.2 Billion

Sir Paul McCartney, the legendary British musician, boasts an impressive net worth of $1.3 billion, making him one of the wealthiest musicians globally. His net worth in October 2024 along with his wife, Nancy makes him the first British musician to reach billionaire status in that country. Back in 1980 when John Lennon died, multiple reports suggest that McCartney had a net worth of $400 million at the time which adjusts to $1.2 billion with inflation. His tours are also a massive source of income, reportedly earning him $50-70 million during touring years. He has a large collection of his music and a portfolio of publishing copyrights of other artists bringing him tens of millions of dollars every year from royalties through his publishing company called MPL Communications.

6. Bruce Springsteen - $1.2 Billion

Bruce Springsteen's net worth is an impressive $1.2 billion, a reflection of his legendary career as a solo artist and the leader of the E Street Band. The second Highest-Paid Entertainers of 2022 as per Forbes generate annual earnings that can soar above $80 million when on tour. In 2023, Springsteen sold more than 1.5 Million concert tickets worth $380 million. In a major financial move, he sold his music catalog to Sony Music for $500–600 million in late 2021. Springsteen's real estate holdings also bolsters his fortune. He owns a 378-acre horse farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and a Beverly Hills estate bought for $13.75 million. This property, with its 10,000-square-foot mansion and additional home, was listed for $60 million in 2015. Additionally, Springsteen has a presence in Florida's equestrian community.

5. Andrew Lloyd Webber - $1.2 Billion

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the British musical legend, has a net worth of $1.2 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his prolific career in musical theater, having created over 20 hit shows, including “Cats”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, and “Evita”, which have grossed billions worldwide. As per Business Insider, The Phantom of the Opera has made $6 billion worldwide turning out to be his biggest hit. Not only does he profit from ticket sales, but he also earns significant revenue from merchandise and film adaptations of his works. As the owner of the Really Useful Group, one of London’s largest theater operators, he has established a strong foothold in the arts. 

In addition to his impressive earnings, Webber has made strategic investments in real estate. In 1987, Andrew Lloyd Webber bought a luxurious 5,000+ square foot duplex in Trump Tower for $5.5 million and sold it for $16.5 million in 2010. He also owns Sydmonton Court, a notable estate in Hampshire, England, listed on the National Heritage List.

4. Selena Gomez - $1.3 Billion

Selena Gomez’s net worth of $1.3 billion as of October 2024 recently skyrocketed, making her one of the latest billionaire artists. In 2020, her net worth was $95 million, but the launch and rapid growth of her cosmetic line, Rare Beauty, has boosted it to approximately $1.3 billion by 2023. Rare Beauty, which was valued at around $2 billion in 2023, contributes 80% of her wealth, far surpassing her music earnings. Her tours, like the “Stars Dance Tour” in 2013 grossed $35.3 million and the “Revival Tour” in 2016 bought in $35.6 million taking the total over $100 million combined but account for less than 5% of her total wealth. Additionally, Gomez earned $3 million from her role in “Wizards of Waverly Place” (2007-2012) and around $6 million per season from Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” (2021-present).

Apart from this, Gomez endorses various international brands and gets significant figures from there as well. In 2016, she signed two $10 million deals with Coach and Louis Vutton. The next year, she got a lucrative deal with PUMA SE worth $30 million.

3. Rihanna - $1.4 Billion 

Rihanna, a multi-talented Barbados-born singer and songwriter, commands a phenomenal net worth of $1.4 billion, making her the richest female musician in the world. Her fortune is largely driven by her 50% ownership of Fenty Beauty, the revolutionary beauty brand in partnership with LVMH, valued at around $1.5 billion. Fenty Beauty alone has amassed over $100 million in annual revenue. Additionally, Rihanna holds a 30% stake in Savage X Fenty, her successful lingerie line worth around $1 billion. Together, these ventures significantly contribute to her substantial earnings, which range from $40 to $80 million annually. 

Rihanna also makes substantial earnings from brand endorsements like Armani, Dior, Cover Girl, and Gucci including a $25 million deal with Samsung signed in 2015. Beyond beauty and fashion, her investments in real estate, including properties in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Barbados, further augment her financial standing. 

2. Taylor Swift - $1.6 Billion

Taylor Swift, an American singer, songwriter, and producer, commands a net worth of $1.6 billion. She reached billionaire status in October 2023, thanks to the massive success of her "Eras" tour, which brought her $13.6 million for each performance. The tour’s film version alone grossed $260 million, with Swift earning $130 million from ticket sales and an additional $75 million from a Disney streaming deal, making her a significant portion of her fortune from this project alone. Apart from this, Taylor’s Master recordings and Catalog rights are worth $400 - $500 million. 

Before this, her net worth was around $600 million, supported by her vast real estate holdings worth approximately $150 million. Her property portfolio includes a $30 million mansion in Rhode Island, a $70 million Beverly Hills estate, and various other high-value properties across the U.S. Swift’s income also stems from high-profile endorsements with brands like AT&T and Diet Coke, and her master recordings and catalog rights are valued at $400-500 million.

1. Jay-Z - $2.5 Billion

American rapper, producer, and businessman, Jay-Z has a net worth of around $2.5 billion as of 2024. He first crossed the billionaire threshold in 2019, largely thanks to his diversified investments. Jay-Z’s portfolio includes luxury brands like Armand de Brignac champagne, in which he sold a 50% stake in 2021 to LMVH for $640 million valuation. In 2023, the rapper sold 25% of his 50% stake in D'Ussé cognac for $750 million to Bacardi which also significantly boosted his wealth after a major stake sale. His $300 million acquisition of Tidal and subsequent sale to Square for $300 million further enhanced his financial standing. 

In addition to his music royalties and touring earnings, Jay-Z’s investments span across tech (with stakes in SpaceX, Oatly, and Uber), sports (owning part of the Brooklyn Nets), and real estate. He and Beyoncé own a staggering $350 million in real estate, including a $200 million Malibu mansion, one of the priciest home purchases in U.S. history. His art collection is valued at $70 million, and his music catalog alone is worth at least $75 million. 

Honorable Mention

Jimmy Buffett- $1 Billion

Jimmy Buffett was an American singer-songwriter, author, actor, and businessman who had a net worth of  at the time of his death. Known for his hit songs like "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise," Buffett created a unique "island escapism" lifestyle through his music. He turned his success into a business empire, including restaurants, hotels, and a wide range of products under the Margaritaville brand. Buffett's ventures included the popular Margaritaville Café and the Cheeseburger in Paradise chain. He also launched a retirement community, Latitude Margaritaville, and a successful beer brand, LandShark Lager. His business interests also included a range of branded products and multiple real estate holdings, including luxury homes in Beverly Hills, the Hamptons, and Florida.