In a recent release by Forbes magazine, the legendary American singer, Michael Jackson, often referred to as the ‘King of Pop,’ has claimed the title of the world’s highest-earning deceased celebrity in 2023.
For the first time in four years, Jackson seized the top position, with an estimated $115 million in earnings, according to Forbes’ annual list unveiled on Tuesday.
Following closely behind, Jackson’s late father-in-law, Elvis Presley, secured the second spot with an estimated income of $100 million.
Among the notable deceased celebrities who made their way into the top 13 on this list are Bob Marley, Prince, John Lennon, and Whitney Houston.
Collectively, these luminaries who have left us earned an approximate total of $470 million over the past year. This figure represents a 70% decrease compared to the previous year’s earnings in 2022.
Forbes ranked these iconic figures based on their earnings before taxes, which encompassed revenue generated from sales, licensing agreements, streams, and various other income sources within the period between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.
Here is the complete list:
- Michael Jackson, US singer – $115 million
- Elvis Presley, US singer and actor – $100 million
- Ray Manzarek, US keyboardist – $45 million
- Dr. Seuss, US cartoonist – $40 million
- Charles M. Schulz, US cartoonist – $30 million
- Prince, US singer – $30 million
- Whitney Houston, US singer – $30 million
- John Lennon, British singer – $22 million
- Bob Marley, Jamaican singer – $16 million
- Bing Crosby, US singer – $14 million
- George Harrison, British singer – $14 million
- Arnold Palmer, US golfer – $10 million
- Marilyn Monroe, US singer – $10 million