Which Nashville Musicians are Highest Paid?

Lately Forbes magazine is rivaling even Santa Claus when it comes to list making. The financial sheet compiles all kinds of entertainer lists, including highest paid bosses, Top Celebs, and more. This week’s revelation comes in the form of the World’s 25 Highest Paid Musicians.

Six Nashville notables grace the list along with brief descriptions of how they amass all the loot. Here’s a brief synopsis of our local boys (and girls) who made good. For the complete list click here, but be prepared to wade through an annoying photo slider that makes you click 25 times to see the entire list.

11. Toby Keith ($50 million)
Keith profits from music plus an endorsement deal with Ford, a mezcal line and a restaurant chain called I Love This Bar And Grill.

13. Taylor Swift ($45 million)
Swift’s new album Speak Now is certified triple-platinum; touring grosses some $750,000 per night.

15. Brad Paisley ($40 million)
Country star had a banner year, thanks to strong touring backed by sponsorships from Chevy, Skinny Water, and Sea Ray boats.

18. Tim McGraw ($35 million, tie)
McGraw made big bucks in 2010 despite his label’s decision to delay his new album. In addition to a lucrative tour, McGraw starred in Country Strong with Gwyneth Paltrow and his line of cologne is among the best selling celebrity scents.

23. Rascal Flatts ($34 million)
The country stars grossed $45 million on 61 shows over the past 12 months, adding to their coffers with heavy radio play and endorsements from JC Penny and others.

24. Kenny Chesney ($30 million)
Chesney grossed nearly $40 million on 24 shows in support of his new album, Hemingway’sWhiskey.