It's been more than five years since his passing, but Michael Jackson remains royalty among postmortem earners, pulling in triple-digit millions every full year since his death.
This year is no different. Fresh off the May 2014 launch of his posthumous album Xscape, the King of Pop rules our Halloween-spooky list of Top-Earning Dead Musicians once again with annual earnings of $140 million.
The bulk of his cash still comes from his half of the
“Kids who didn’t grow up with Michael are now discovering Michael through these two shows,” said Jamie King, director of both, in an interview for my book, Michael Jackson, Inc. “His spirit is still with us and his music will live forever.”
Bob Marley rounds out the top three with earnings of $20 million. His total represents an increase of $2 million over last year, making the reggae superstar the only member of this list whose earnings are not flat or down on a year-over-year basis.
Marley’s bump comes thanks a diversified range of ventures such as the Marley Beverage Company (as well as Marley Coffee and a “relaxation drink” known as Marley’s Mellow Mood) and House of Marley (producer of eco-friendly audio and lifestyle products).
The singer’s estate also recently launched Marley Apparel, a clothing line designed by Bob’s eldest daughter, Cedella Marley. And then there's the music: over the past two decades, Marley has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide.
There are a handful of other musicians who made millions from beyond the grave, yet fell just short of making our list. Among them are Tupac Shakur, Richard Rogers, Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix.
One thing’s for sure: there are no serious challengers to Jackson’s cash crown, and the King of Pop looks likely to continue his postmortem bonanza.
“His earning potential will only increase year after year, as his legacy continues to be cemented,” said Susan Blond, who served as Jackson’s publicist during the Thriller days, in a 2010 interview with me. “When our great-grandchildren are talking about music, it will be Michael Jackson over Elvis Presley.”
Additional reporting by Dorothy Pomerantz.
For more about the business of music, check out my Jay Z biography Empire State of Mind and my new book Michael Jackson, Inc. You can follow me on Twitter & Facebook.
