Toby Keith is the subject of the new Forbes magazine cover story. The article delves into his numerous business interests, from restaurants to record labels, and also recaps his career history. According to the story, he is “the most vertically integrated performer in the music business–and a one-man cash machine. Forbes estimates that Keith pulled in $65 million over the last 12 months….Over the past five years, Forbes estimates, Keith has never earned less than $48 million in a year. His cumulative take over that period: $270 million. Over his entire career–Keith has written a No. 1 country hit every year for the past two decades–his total earnings surpass $500 million.”
The latest issue of the money magazine focuses on the Celebrity 100 list, a ranking of star power that takes into consideration money, tv and radio, press, marketability and social influence.
Among the country set, Taylor Swift ranks No. 6 on the list, with earnings between June 2012 and June 2013 of $55 million. Keith comes in at No. 43 with $65 million. Carrie Underwood ranks No. 46 ($31 million), followed closely by Kenny Chesney at No. 47 ($53 million).
The top five is made up of Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, Steven Spielberg, Beyonce Knowles and Madonna.
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
