Forbes’ list of “The World’s 30 Highest-Paid Musicians of 2014” includes four country music kings. The rankings are based on gross earnings from June 2013 to June 2014.
Toby Keith claimed the No. 10 spot, and the highest among his country peers, by raking in $65 million.
Kenny Chesney brought in $44 million, swimming in to the No. 22 spot.
Jason Aldean is No. 24 on the list with $37 million in earnings.
Luke Bryan earned $34 million and landed at No. 28.
Kingpin Dr. Dre was miles away from his runners-up, securing the No. 1 spot with $620 million, due Apple’s $3 billion purchase of Beats. According to the magazine, this is largest single-year haul of any musician, ever.
Former Nashvillians Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus scored spots on the list. Swift’s $64 million put her at No. 11, and Cyrus’ $36 million scooted her to No. 26.
Methodology: In forming this year’s list, Forbes considered income from touring, recorded music, publishing, merchandise sales, endorsements and other ventures. Management, agent and attorney fees were not deducted. Earnings were calculated from June 2013 to June 2014 and based on data from Pollstar, the RIAA and Nielsen SoundScan, and on interviews with managers, lawyers, executives and some of the artists themselves.
About the Author
Sarah Skates has worked in the music business for more than a decade and is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.View Author Profile
