Michael Jackson topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid dead celebrities

Michael Jackson (1958-2009) has topped the list of the highest-paid dead celebrities according to Forbes magazine.

Over the past year, the total income of the 13 highest-paid dead celebrities dropped 70% from last year’s figures to $470 million. The sharp decline in income is partly due to a drop in music catalog sales. However, more than half of the celebrities who have passed away have increased their fortunes through the sale of their intellectual property.

Jackson earned $115 million last year, which includes $85 million from the Broadway musical MJ: The Musical, dedicated to the singer’s life and work. In addition, Jackson earned millions from the performance Michael Jackson: One by Canada’s Cirque du Soleil.

The second place in the Forbes list was occupied by musician Elvis Presley (1935-1977), who earned $100 million last year. The main source of his income is his estate in Memphis (Tennessee), which has been visited by about 600 thousand people over the past 12 months. Third place went to Ray Manzarek (1939-2013), one of the founders and keyboardist of The Doors, whose fortune grew by $45 million over the year.

The Forbes list also includes children’s writer Dr. Seuss (1904-1991), who “got rich” during the year by $40 million, cartoonist Charles Schulz (1922-2000) with $30 million, as well as Prince (1958-2016), Whitney Houston (1963-2012), John Lennon (1940-1980), singer Bob Marley (1945-1981) and Bing Crosby (1903-1977).

The Beatles guitarist George Harrison (1943-2001), golfer Arnold Palmer (1929-2016) and Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) round out the ranking.

You may be interested: Suzanne Somers, of ‘Three’s Company,’ dies at 76