It's a little surprising that Justin Timberlake isn't higher on this list, considering the fame that he's had for years now. However, this former boy band sensation is still doing just fine in the money department. Currently, Timberlake boasts a net worth of at least $250 million. It's not the best, but it's by no means the worst, obviously.
As a solo singer, Timberlake has had wild success in the United States and internationally. Four of his five albums have reached the number one spot on the charts, and collectively, they've sold more than 56 million copies worldwide. It's not hard to see why this guy is rolling in the dough.
Tina Turner isn't just one of the richest musicians of all time--she's also one of the best-selling ones, too. During her decades-long career, Turner has managed to sell more than 200 million albums, not to mention singles or other forms of her work. It should be no surprise that she's worth so much--$270 million to be exact.
Turner is best known as a musician, but she's also had other jobs that have helped contribute to her millions. In the 1970s and '80s, the singer also tried her hand at acting and had several successful roles in movies like Tommy and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
Don Henley, the drummer and co-lead vocalist of the Eagles from 1971 to 1980, is known for his songs “Desperado,” “Witchy Woman,” “Get Over It” and “Hotel California.” After his time with the Eagles, he had a fairly successful solo career, releasing five studio albums. He has earned three Grammys and been nominated 18 times.
In addition to his five solo albums, Don Henley released seven albums with the Eagles, which has brought him much financial success. Don Henley now has a net worth of $200 million, and he’s not stopping yet because even at the age of 74, in the music business, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
R&B, pop, soul, disco--when it comes to music, Diana Ross has done it all and then some. She's been working ever since she joined The Supremes in the 1960s and has been going strong ever since. Between her millions in album sales, her numerous live performances, and her other business endeavors, it's no wonder she's amassed a net worth of $250 million.
In the 1980s, Ross finally left the Motown record label that had brought her fame and signed a deal with RCA Records for $20 million dollars. At the time, it was the biggest recording deal in music history. Considering that she was able to command millions back then, it goes without saying that her value has only increased with time!
In all the years of rock n’ roll nobody has ever beaten Phil Collins drum solo on “In the Air Tonight.” And as good as that solo is, it never overshadows his vocals. Phil Collins is another one of the most successful singers of all time. Between 1982 to 1990, he has had seven number-one singles in the US during his solo career and three in the UK.
In fact, Phil Collins has had more singles in the US top 40 than any other artist during the ‘80s. Some of his most successful singles have included “I Don’t Care Anymore,” “One More Night,” and “Another Day in Paradise.” Having released eight studio albums, as well as live albums, soundtracks and compilations, he now has a net worth of $350 million.
Dave Matthews is the lead singer, vocalist and guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band. Yeah, he named a band after himself – what about it? Some of his most successful songs include “Gravedigger,” “So Much to Say” and “Crush.” But these are just a few of his songs in his career spanning decades.
Still active today, Dave Matthews has released two solo studio albums and nine studio albums with his band. Together, they have sold over 33 million albums in the United States alone. Their debut album has been certified platinum a total of six times. Dave Matthews has a net worth of $300 million.
George Strait has never strayed from his country roots, but that doesn't seem to have hurt him in terms of making money. The iconic singer got his start in the business in the early 1980s, and he's been keeping busy releasing records and touring ever since. He's currently got a net worth of $300 million.
His concerts have been one of the biggest money makers for Strait. In the course of three years, the singer brought in more than $99 million in revenue, and his 2005 tour brought in $15 million with only eight tour dates in total. Those records were dwarfed by his 2012 farewell tour, which brought in $18 million from a single night in Arlington.
Roger Waters is an English singer and songwriter from the progressive rock band known to the world as Pink Floyd. He has gained international success with his albums The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall. Pink Floyd has become one most critically acclaimed and commercially successful rock bands in history.
As a band, Pink Floyd has sold over 250 million albums worldwide. Roger Waters has a net worth of $310 million. During his solo career, he released five studio albums and with Pink Floyd he delivered 15 studio albums. He is easily one of the most influential artists of the modern age.
David Grohl was once the drummer to the legendary grunge band Nirvana, now he is perhaps better known for his work with the band The Foo Fighters for which he provides his lead vocal, guitar and songwriting talents. He is still active to this day and has a pretty impressive net worth.
David Grohl’s net worth is $320 million. His discography includes over a dozen albums with Nirvana and over a dozen with the Foo Fighters as well. He’s also had numerous appearances in documentaries and television appearances as himself. Now 52 with a new album having just come out, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Love him or hate him, there's no denying it--Justin Bieber is a very wealthy man. He's gone from teen heartthrob to bad boy, but this Canadian singer has consistently been able to keep the money flowing from his legions of dedicated fans. Currently, Bieber is worth at least $300 million.
As one of the highest-paid singers in the world, it's estimated that Bieber is able to bring in anywhere from $60 to $80 million each year, so we expect that $285 million net worth to keep rising. With millions in album sales and billions of Youtube views, he's nothing if not a money making machine.
Ringo Starr, or known by his legal name Sir Richard Starkey, is one of the most famous drummers of all time as part of the Beatles. He occasionally sang lead vocals along with the group with his most notable songs including “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
Ringo Starr has a net worth of $350 million, which is nowhere near Paul McCartney’s number but still pretty high. With the Beatles, he released 13 studio albums, and for his solo career, he has managed to release 20 studio albums, so he’s had a highly successful solo career as well.
Sting is an English musician known for both his solo career and as a member of the band The Police. He has earned 17 Grammy Awards and has had four Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song. His most notable hit would have to be “Every Breath You Take,” which is one of the most played songs in radio history.
He has released 15 studio albums over the span of his solo career and five studio albums as The Police. With his solo career and Police career combined, he has sold over 100 million records. His net worth is said to be $300 million, making him one of the richest singers of all time.
Cher has had wild success over the decades, both as half of the duo with ex-husband Sonny Bono and as a solo artist. Over the years, she's managed to sell more than 100 million albums, making her one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Her net worth is currently $360 million.
In addition to music, Cher has found other ways to help fund her fortune over the years. Most notably, she's starred in several films, including Moonstruck, The Witches of Eastwick, and Burlesque. Her residencies in Las Vegas have also helped grow her wealth, with her 2008-2010 stint bringing in $18 million for her.
Gene Simmons, the bassist and co-lead singer of the band Kiss, is a Rock N’ Roll legend. In addition to his numerous studio albums, he’s had dozens of television and film appearances as himself. On top of this, he’s been published several times. Active since 1970, he’s still very much Rock N’ Rolling all night and partying every day.
Like Sting, Gene Simmons has a net worth of $400 million. But he doesn’t keep all his money to himself. He frequently donates to charity, including ChildFund International and Mending Kids International. He also co-founded the charity The Children Matter. In 2013, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History accepted an autographed guitar from Gene Simmons to add to their collection.
Barbra Streisand has been a star since she was a teenager, and with a career as long and acclaimed as hers, it would be strange for her not to make an appearance on this list. Between all of her numerous business ventures through the years, she's managed to build up a net worth of $400 million.
It's estimated that Streisand's live tours bring in anywhere from $60 to $80 million per year for the singer, and that's by far her only source of income. She's released 50+ albums, many of which sold millions, she's starred in hit movies, and she's also an avid art collector--with a collection estimated to be worth $20 million.
Eric Clapton is another rock legend with plenty of accolades. He has been inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame three times and won 18 Grammy awards. On top of this, in 2004, he received the Commander of the British Empire Award at Buckingham Palace for his contributions to music.
Eric Clapton has a net worth of $450 million, earning his money from his many active years in the business, starting in 1962. As a solo artist alone, he’s released over 20 studio albums. But he also earns royalties from his career with the Yardbirds. Now in his 70s, Eric Clapton is still active.
It turns out that not every wealthy musician is a pop star--just look at Luciano Pavarotti. This opera icon might not have fit the mold of your typical rich singer, but he had the big bucks to prove that he belongs on this list. At the time of his death, the Italian singer had an estimated net worth of $475 million.
With all that money, it should come as no surprise that there was plenty of legal drama surrounding his vast estate after his death. Three of his daughters had a long fight with Pavarotti's second wife, who claimed that she was entitled to a majority of his earnings.
Keith Richards is the guitarist and secondary vocalist of the second-biggest British rock band, the Rolling Stones. With a career spanning over six decades, he has become an iconic figure in the music industry. Keith Richards is undoubtedly rich, having a net worth of about $500 million to his name.
Keith Richards started out singing in the school choir for Queen Elizabeth II. Like every teenager, his voice changed and didn’t quite carry the same way. But as a member of the Rolling Stones, his voice worked just fine. He has provided lead or co-lead vocals for almost every Rolling Stones album.
Bob Dylan is easily one of the most important singers and songwriters of the 20th century. While his voice may not be for everyone, it’s authentic and the words he carries with his voice have echoed across generations. His songs have been covered numerous times by artists of nearly every variety, which has no doubt helped boost his net worth, which is now at $500 million.
Some of Bob Dylan’s most notable songs are “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are-A Changin’” and “It Ain’t Me Babe.” His discography includes 39 studio albums, as well as various compilations, live albums, and boxed sets. He has sold millions of albums and has written over 500 songs. In 2016, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Crossover musicians don't always have the best luck making the big switch, but it was no problem for Gloria Estefan. In fact, she's considered to be the most financially successful crossover artists in history--sorry, Taylor Swift! During her decades as a singer, Estefan has managed to build a net worth of $500 million.
It's estimated that Estefan has sold more than 130 million albums worldwide, making her one of the top 100 best-selling musicians in history. Those albums spawned 38 number-one hits, as well as seven Grammy award wins. Her real estate holdings are estimated to be worth more than $600 million in total.
If you're looking to be a millionaire musician, it helps to be American, but Julio Iglesias proves that it's by no means necessary for success. This Spanish-born singer has built a fortune on a musical empire that's much more well-known outside of the United States. He currently has a net worth of $600 million.
During his career, Iglesias has managed to sell more than 300 million copies of his 80 albums. That has definitely help contribute to his millions, but he's actually probably richer from another venture of his--real estate. It's estimated that his large portfolio of properties is worth at least $200 million.
Elton John is a singer known for numerous hits including “Rocketman,” “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer” and “Crocodile Rock” – just to name a few. Known for his flashy costumes and flamboyant persona, he’s always looking to put on a good show for his fans. Elton John’s style was much influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard among others.
Elton John has a net worth of $650 million. He has sold over 300 million records over the years and performed for numerous leaders around the world including multiple US presidents and Queen Elizabeth II. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and remains relevant to this very day.
Bruce Springsteen, known by his fans as The Boss, has released twenty studio albums. Some of his most notable hits include “Dancing in the Dark,” Born to Run,” “Born in the USA,” and “Blinded by the Light.” Born in New Jersey, despite the millions of dollars to his name, he has been considered the voice for the working-class.
Bruce Springsteen has a net worth of $650 million. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide. His top-selling album would have to be “Born in the USA,” which has gone platinum 15 times and has sold over 30 million copies. His 20th studio album was “Letter to You,” which was released in 2020.
Dolly Parton is famous for her self-deprecating saying, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap." And when you're as rich as this country superstar is, you can look mighty cheap! Between her successful music career and other business endeavors, Parton has managed to build a net worth of $650 million.
She's been in the country music business for 40 years now, and during that time, she's released 41 albums that reached the top ten. However, one of her biggest money makers has to be her credit on Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You." It's estimated that Parton makes eight cents every time the song is played--and it's played a lot!
Celine Dion might be most well known for providing the theme to the '90's blockbuster Titanic, but even that massive success pales in comparison to some of her other, more lucrative musical endeavors. When everything is totaled up, the Canadian singer has an estimated net worth of $800 million.
It's estimated that Dion brings in roughly $50 million a year, and while her album sales definitely contribute to that, her biggest money maker was her long-term residency in Las Vegas. It's estimated that her show brought in about $250 million in ticket sales between 2011 and 2019 and that she was paid $500,000 per performance.
Well, well, well, look who's been running the world! It's none other than Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé. As of 2024, this diva is not just dropping beats and breaking the internet, but also smashing piggy banks with a whopping net worth of around $800 million!
This isn't just from her toe-tapping tunes and jaw-dropping performances but also her savvy business ventures and smart investments. According to Forbes, she's not just crazy in love; she's crazy rich too! So, whether belting out ballads or banking big bucks, Beyoncé is living life in the fast lane.
It makes sense that the original Material Girl would be worth millions. Madonna might not be as wildly popular as she was back in her heyday in the 1980s, but she's still doing just fine both in terms of fame and finances. Her current net worth is estimated to be at least $850 million.
While Madonna made millions with her albums and singles, that's not the only way she brought in money. Her movie roles also proved to be very lucrative for the singer. She earned about $1 million for her role in 1996's Evita and made about $2.5 million for her role for 1993's Body of Evidence.
Herb Alpert may no longer be a big star, but during the 1960s, he was a household name. As the leader of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, he sold millions of records and made millions of dollars. In fact, he has the highest net worth of any musician, coming in at $850 million.
Alpert was definitely most famous as a trumpet player, but he also had some success as a singer, with singles like "This Guy's in Love with You". As of today, Alpert has won eight Grammy awards, released 14 platinum albums, and sold more than 75 million copies of his albums.
Jimmy Buffett is a singer known for his island escapist music and lifestyle. He is known for his hit songs "Margaritaville” and “Come Monday.” In addition to his music, Jimmy Buffett is a best-selling author and has two restaurant chains named after two of his songs: Margaritaville Café and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Jimmy Buffet reportedly has a net worth of $1 billion, making him one of the richest singers in the world. Buffet started out in the ‘60s as a country singer before moving on to the tropical rock style of music he is known for. He is still releasing albums and performing live to this very day.
Taylor Swift, the pop sensation and cat-mom-extraordinaire, is strumming her way to the top of the financial charts. As of 2024, she's twirled into the billionaires' club with a whopping net worth of around $1.1 billion! Yes, you heard it right, a billion with a 'B.'
This isn't just from her catchy tunes and heart-wrenching lyrics, but also her savvy investments and entrepreneurial ventures. And get this, even her furry feline, Olivia, is rumored to be richer than some celebrities! It's clear that when it comes to making both music and money, Swift certainly knows how to shake it off all the way to the bank
Paul McCartney is easily one of the most famous singers in the history of rock n’ roll, so it’s no surprise to see the Beatles star on the list. Some of his most well-recognized Beatles songs include “Yesterday,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Let It Be” and “Blackbird.” From the ‘70s through 1981, he was part of the band The Wings who had hit songs like “Live and Let Die” and “Band on the Run.”
Paul McCartney continued a successful solo career while collaborating with numerous other artists. He’s an 18-time Grammy winner and a two-time inductee to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. He is said to have a net worth of $1.2 Billion and that’s honestly not surprising in the least. Behind only Rihanna, he’s the second richest singer in the world.
Many of the singers on this list took decades to accumulate their fortunes. But Rihanna's rise to the top has been much faster than both. Despite only being in the business for a little more than a decade, the Barbados-born singer has managed to build up a net worth of an estimated $1.7 billion.
In any given year, Rihanna can bring in upwards of $50 million in revenue. While her music career definitely helps contribute to that number, her biggest source of money these days is her cosmetics business, Fenty Beauty. Within the first two months of the company's life, they had already managed to make more than $100 million.
