Michael Jackson has once again topped Forbes’ annual list of the year’s top-earning deceased celebrities.
The late King of Pop was estimated to have accumulated $170 million in earnings over the past year. This marks the second consecutive year MJ has topped the list — between October 2010 and Oct. 2011 his estate brought in a staggering $275 million.
Aside from his storied catalog, The King of Pop’s estate also benefited from the Cirque du Soleil theatrical production ‘Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour,’ which is based on his life.
Elvis Presley’s Cirque du Soleil show ‘Viva Elvis’ helped him to second on the list with a posthumous fortune of $55 million in the past year, and the estates of Beatles legends John Lennon and George Harrison – who placed fifth and 13th respectively – also benefited from similar productions.
Full list of Forbes Top Earning Dead Celebrities:
1. Michael Jackson $170 million
2. Elvis Presley $55 million
3. Marilyn Monroe $27 million
4. Charles Schulz $25 million
5. John Lennon $12 million
5. Elizabeth Taylor $12 million
7. Albert Einstein $10 million
8. Theodor Geisel $9 million
9. Jimi Hendrix $7 million
9. Stieg Larsson $7 million
9. Steve McQueen $7 million
9. Richard Rodgers $7 million
13. George Harrison $6 million
13. Bettie Page $6 million
13. Andy Warhol $6 million
He may be gone, but his star shines on. Michael Jackson is the king of Forbes’ Top Earning Dead Celebrities list, yet again. Since his death in 2009, the late King of Pop has topped the list a staggering eleven times – and that’s no surprise considering how beloved he was to so many people around the world. Even more impressive is that with each year comes increased earnings for him – proving just how powerful an influence he continues to have over us all. So what exactly are these increasing earnings from? Let’s take a look.
The first thing you need to know about Jackson is that music makes up a huge chunk of his posthumous income. His estate earns millions from streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music every single year; when combined with physical album sales and royalties, it’s easy to see why Jackson remains at the top of this list even after all these years. But there are also other sources of revenue too – such as merchandising deals and licensing agreements – which add significantly to his earning potential.
Finally, it’s important to note that while money obviously plays an important role in any successful career, it doesn’t quite tell the whole story when looking at someone like Michael Jackson. He still stands out today not just because of his legacy, but because of something much deeper: love and admiration from fans who never forget what he meant to them during their lives. And perhaps that’s one reason why his name will remain atop this list for years to come.
Overview Of Forbes List
This year Forbes has released its list of the top 10 highest-earning deceased celebrities, and topping it is Michael Jackson. The King of Pop earned a reported $48 million in 2020 alone – more than any other dead celebrity. It’s an impressive feat considering he passed away 11 years ago.
The second spot on this list belongs to Arnold Palmer with earnings of nearly $30 million. He was followed by Charles Schulz, Elvis Presley and Bob Marley who all made around $20 million each. Other notable names appearing on the list are Kobe Bryant, Dr Seuss, Prince, John Lennon and George Strait who rounded out the top ten.
It’s incredible to think that these stars continue to make money long after their deaths; testament to how popular they remain even today. Their enduring legacies will no doubt ensure their place at or near the top of this list for many years to come.
Analysis Of Michael Jackson’s Earnings
As the top earner on Forbes’ list of highest-earning deceased celebrities, Michael Jackson is an impressive example of how even after death he continues to be a highly successful entertainer. His music and lifestyle are beloved by millions around the world, making him one of the most iconic figures in show business history.
Much of his posthumous success can be attributed to the fact that there’s still huge demand for his work which has been released over the years since his passing. A lot of this comes from reissues, special collections and collaborations with other artists that allow fans to experience Jackson’s legacy anew. He also benefits greatly from ongoing endorsements, merchandise sales and licensing deals involving some of his biggest hits such as “Thriller” or “Billy Jean”.
It goes without saying that Michael Jackson is a true cultural icon whose influence will continue long into the future. His earnings prove just how powerful his brand remains today – something that can only be said about very few people who have ever lived.
Conclusion
I. Summary
In conclusion, Michael Jackson was once again the top earner on Forbes’ list of Top Earning Dead Celebrities for 2020. His estate earned a staggering $48 million this year due to ongoing music sales and endorsements from brands like Apple Music, Netflix, and Disney. He’s been featured in posthumous documentaries, as well as video games and projects by other artists that continue to add value to his legacy.
II. Legacy Lives On
Michael Jackson will forever remain one of the most iconic figures in popular culture. His talent combined with an incomparable level of artistry has allowed him to maintain an impressive earning power decades after his death, which speaks volumes about his influence globally. Even though he’s no longer here physically, I believe it is safe to say that he still continues to touch people’s lives all over the world through his music and memory.
III. Final Thoughts
The fact that Michael Jackson remains at the top of Forbes’ list is a testament to how powerful and timeless his contribution truly was throughout his lifetime – something that can never be taken away from him or forgotten by fans around the world who have kept up with his work since day one. As long as there are people listening to music, I have no doubt that Michael Jackson will stay alive in our hearts forevermore!
Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.