In 2024, the highest deceased artists proceed to generate spectacular revenue, primarily by means of the exploitation of their music and inventive rights.
Right here's a extra detailed breakdown of this 12 months's highest-paid deceased celebrities as printed by Forbes:
Michael Jackson: Stays on the prime with revenues exceeding $600 million. Jackson's property benefited vastly from the sale of the rights to his music catalog to Sony, a $600 million deal that was authorised by the court docket regardless of his mom's objections. The worldwide musical “MJ” and the US and European excursions are additionally massive contributors, bringing in about $6 million every week.
Freddie Mercury: With $250 million in income, Mercury returns to the record because of the sale of Queen's catalog, which set an all-time document sale worth for a musical group. Earnings from the biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody' additional enhanced his legacy.
Dr. Seuss: The well-known youngsters's guide creator, with earnings of $75 million, nonetheless earns from the sale of his traditional works, whereas partnerships with theme parks, motion pictures and clothes assist to extend his revenue.
Elvis Presley: Elvis stays a powerful presence on the record, with $50 million in income, largely from Graceland, his iconic dwelling in Memphis, which drew 600,000 guests final 12 months. Regardless of fraudulent makes an attempt to promote it at public sale, Elvis' legacy stays steadfast.
Rick Ocasek: The Vehicles frontman, who died in 2019, introduced in $45 million by means of the sale of his rights to Major Wave. The share considerations publication rights and business use of his identify and picture.
Prince: With revenues of $35 million, Prince continues to earn from his legendary catalog, such because the album 'Purple Rain', and from the Paisley Park heart in Minneapolis, which attracts many guests.
Bob Marley: The reggae legend continues to rake in $34 million, largely from the sale of merchandise and rights to make use of his picture. This 12 months's biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” and his household's new partnership with a hashish firm have helped enhance his earnings considerably.
Charles M. Schultz: The $30 million-grossing Peanuts creator stays fashionable with youthful generations, with Snoopy and Charlie Brown adventures persevering with to promote by means of business partnerships and tv productions.
Matthew Perry: The “Pals” actor, who lately handed away, made the record with $18 million in annual income from present rights and gross sales of his guide about his battle with habit.
John Lennon: Lennon nonetheless earns $17 million a 12 months because of the regular help of his followers. In 2023 he launched the track 'Now and Then', because of AI expertise, respiration new life into his legacy.
James Brown: At $15 million, James Brown's property continues to herald income by means of the exploitation of his music and merchandising rights, together with his residence being renovated right into a vacationer attraction.
Arnold Palmer: The well-known golfer brings in $14 million by means of the sale of his eponymous iced tea, which is a major a part of the US beverage market.
Whitney Houston: Houston earns $13 million a 12 months, largely from royalties for the usage of her picture on slot machines that play her music, a transfer that’s properly obtained by the general public.
