Making Billions: The 50 Richest Musicians of All Time

Music has personally touched the lives and ears of every single person. It is a form of art that is constantly changing and inspiring. With that, the big players in the music industry have been able to garner an astronomical net worth, becoming millionaires and even billionaires.

Elton John / Lady Gaga / P. Diddy / Gene Simmons
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Let’s take a look at the richest artists in the music industry. Those who reach the billions might just surprise you. So, without further ado, check out the list!

50. Birdman: Net Worth $110 Million

Bryan “Birdman” Williams is an American rapper, executive producer, and philanthropist. In 1991, together with his brother, Ronald “Slim” Williams, they founded one of the most iconic and successful record labels in hip hop history— Cash Money Records. It featured top hits from Hip Hop’s biggest rappers such as Drake, Lil’ Wayne, and Nicki Minaj.

Rapper Bryan
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Although most of his wealth has come from his record label, Birdman’s music career included some time as a solo artist and as half of the hip hop duo Big Tymers. He has also released collaboration albums with Lil Wayne and Rich Gang. Today, Birdman has two children: a daughter named Bria and a son named Bryan.

49. John Deacon: Net Worth $115 Million

The bassist for Queen, John Deacon, composed several Top 10 hits for the band including “You’re My Best Friend,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “I want to Break Free.” He co-wrote hits like “Under Pressure,” “Friends Will Be Friends,” and “One Vision.” He was also involved in the financial management of the band.

John Deacon performs onstage at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.
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He studied electronics at Chelsea College in London. In 1971, he was asked to join Queen. He is known for his electronic skills and the creation of a homemade amp called the Deacy Amp. He is an incredibly talented bassist with a vast knowledge of music.

48. Flea: Net Worth $115 Million

Michael Peter Balzary or “Flea” is one of the richest musicians in the world. He has an estimated net worth of $115 million. He was born in Melbourne, Australia, but, at the age of five, he moved to America with his family. He began his career as a trumpet player, receiving much admiration and renown from the jazz musicians of the time.

Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers performs on stage
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Later, he was introduced to the genre of rock music. In the 1980s, He learned to play the bass and joined a band called Tony Flow which is now known as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

47. Paul Stanley: Net Worth $125 Million

Paul Stanley has an estimated net worth of $125 Million. This New York-born Rockstar is the lead singer of the iconic band Kiss. He isn’t just a singer though, he is a guitarist, visual artist, and songwriter for the band as well.

Paul Stanley is applying hairspray in a dressing room backstage.
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He has released over 19 studio albums and 11 of them have reached either gold or platinum status. Paul Stanley has received many awards over the span of his career including the Show Man of the Year Award for Classic Rock in 2008 and the Classic Gold Telly Award for a concert film called One Love Kiss.

46. David Gilmour: Net Worth $140 Million

Legendary Pink Floyd guitarist, David Gilmour has a whopping net worth of $140 million. From an early age, he was encouraged by his parents to learn how to play guitar and in 1968 he was asked to join the band. Additionally, he produced one of Pink Floyd’s albums called A Momentary Lapse of Reason.

David Gilmour at a press conference.
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Gilmour had a brief yet successful solo career where he released four albums. He is also the recipient of the Ivor Novello Lifetime Contribution Award and the Outstanding Contribution to Music Awarded, both given to him by the Q Awards in 2008.

45. Tony Iommi: Net Worth $140 Million

Hailing from England, Tony Iommi is a member of the iconic rock band Black Sabbath. Before his rise to fame, he was played in various rock bands titled the Rockin’ Chevrolets, Mythology, and Earth which later became Black Sabbath.

Tony Iommi, poses for a portrait backstage.
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Iommi is a gifted musician who has accrued his wealth through participating in a huge variety of musical projects. He was signed by Next Films to do the background score for a series of movies that will be released on Black Sabbath. The band still comes together on occasion for reunion performances and tours.

44. Burt Bacharach: Net Worth $150 Million

Born in Kansas City but hailing from Queens, Burt Bacharach always had a strong interest in music. He attended McGill University’s Music Academy of the West and Mannes College of Music. He began his career arranging music for popular artists like Polly Bergen, Marlene Dietrich, the Ames Brothers, and Vic Damone.

A portrait of Burt Bacharach
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In the late 1950s, he joined Hal David and together they became one of the best songwriting duos the modern music industry had ever seen. They wrote multiple no. 1 hits throughout the 1960s to 1980s and their songs are still well known and loved to this day.

43. Courtney Love: Net Worth $150 Million

Courtney Love is a singer-songwriter, actress, and musician with an impressive net worth of $150 million. Courtney Love is a beloved icon of the alternative rock genre. She is best known for her guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocal skills but also her marriage to Kurt Cobain, lead singer of the rock band Nirvana.

Courtney Love attends the Tom Ford Show.
Courtney Love attends the Tom Ford

The two were drug abusers, passionate lovers, and style icons. They were Rock and Roll. Courtney Love’s most famous album Live Through This was released shortly after Kurt Cobain’s death, and it hit platinum. A large amount of her wealth comes from what she inherited from Cobain through Nirvana and the publishing and writing rights to all of his work.

42. Jimmy Page: Net Worth $170 Million

One of rock’s most influential guitarists and songwriters is Jimmy Page who has an estimated net worth of $170 million. He is the founder and guitarist of the ultimate rock band, Led Zeppelin. His musical style was the draft for what later became heavy metal. He helped write many of the Led Zeppelin songs and produced all their albums.

Jimmy Page speaks onstage at
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He was born in England in 1994 and began playing guitar at the age of 13. His inspiration was Elvis Presley’s song “Baby Let’s Play House.” He took a few lessons in his earlier days but most of what he knows was self-taught and it has made him a rock legend.

41. Roger Taylor: Net Worth $170 Million

Queen is one of the most legendary rock bands in history and as one of the members, Roger Taylor is no less. Taylor is a drummer, songwriter, and musician with an estimated net worth of $170 million. Queen reached its peak popularity from 1992 to 1997 and Taylor made a large bulk of his money during that time.

Roger Taylor sits on a sofa.
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He is considered one of the most influential drummers, and he has collaborated with top artists such as Eric Clapton, Elton John, and the Foo Fighters. Taylor was born in 1949 in Norfolk, England, and is the father to five children.

40. Robert Plant: Net Worth $170 Million

Led Zeppelin’s lead singer and songwriter is Robert Plant who has an estimated net worth of $170 million. Plant began his career playing for a series of other bands like Crawling King Snake and Band of Joy.

Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin performs onstage.
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Then, in 1968, Jimmy Page was searching for a lead singer, and he chose Robert Plant for the part. Led Zeppelin was a huge success and his track “Stairway to Heaven” is still considered a huge hit today. In 1980, the band fell apart and Plant began his solo career. In total, he released nine studio albums, two compilation albums, and forty-two singles.

39. George Michael: Net Worth $175 Million

George Michael was a creative force in music and pop culture through the ‘80s. He was a record producer, singer, and songwriter from England who had a net worth of approximately $175 million. He became famous by joining the band Wham! from 1982 until 1986.

George Michael performs live on stage.
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He then decided on a solo career and after having an argument with his record label Sony he left and signed with DreamWorks for £10 million. He is considered one of the most significant cultural figures of his time, known for his visual and vocal performances. George Michael was a creative and musical renegade.

38. Brian May: Net Worth $175 Million

The musician, singer, and songwriter from England Brain May has an estimated net worth of $175 million. In 1968, he formed the band Smile which only lasted for two years. After the band fell apart, he and Smile drummer, Roger Taylor, joined Freddie Mercury and John Deacon to form the legendary band—Queen.

Brian May performs on stage.
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He is quite the wordsmith, having written 22 of Queen’s hit singles including “We Will Rock You,” “The Show Must Go On,” and “Under Pressure.” He is not only musically talented but academically too. May completed a Ph.D. in astrophysics in 2008.

37. Billy Joel: Net Worth $180 Million

Billy Joel is an American classic. He is a musician, singer-songwriter, and composer with an estimated net worth of $180 million. He has been a part of the music industry since 1965. He began as a pianist for a band called the Echoes but was fired for refusing to wear the same jacket as the other band members.

Billy Joel plays the piano on stage.
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Throughout his career, Joel has released 13 studio albums, toured the world many times, and has 33 Top 40 hits in America. He is the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States. He has won 6 Grammys and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

36. Usher: Net Worth $180 Million

Usher is a singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor with a net worth of $180 million. He was born in Dallas, Texas in 1978 but later moved to Georgia where his music career began. He was discovered by L.A. Reid, co-founder of record label LaFace, who offered 14-year-old Usher a recording contract.

Usher attends the
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He released his debut album, Usher, in 1994 which garnered him much recognition, and his first single “Thinking of You” hit gold status. His 2004 album, Confessions, sold over 10 million copies in the United States making it the second best-selling album of the 2000s. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time having sold over 65 million records worldwide.

35. Tony Bennett: Net Worth $200 Million

Tony Bennett had a career in the music industry for over 50 years. He is a renowned singer with an estimated net worth of $200 million. He began his career in the ‘50s and his music stayed relevant and popular through the ‘60s due to his unique style of ballads and standards.

Tony Bennett performs at the Clinton Global Citizen Awards.
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In the ‘70s and ‘80s, he struggled with substance abuse and drug addiction, but he was able to get clean and turn his life around, rebuilding his career. He sold over 50 million albums and won many music industry awards.

34. Lars Ulrich: Net Worth $200 Million

Lars Ulrich is the drummer of the famous heavy metal band, Metallica, and has a net worth of over $200 million. He is the founding member of this highly celebrated band that revolutionized heavy metal music. Metallica was formed in 1981, with its new aggressive and fast-paced style of music known as thrash metal, they quickly rose to fame.

Lars Ulrich poses next to a hottub.
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They made a name for themselves in mainstream Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images rock in 1991 with an album that sold over 30 million copies. Metallica is one of the biggest heavy metal bands, and Ulrich is said to be one of thrash metal’s most influential drummers.

33. Sean Lennon: Net Worth $200 Million

American songwriter, actor, singer, and guitarist Sean Lennon has a net worth of $200 million. He is the son of one of music’s most iconic couple, John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He had his first debut in the music industry at the age of five when he read a story from his mother’s album, Season of Glass.

Sean Lennon attends the Men's Model Division Party
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He grew up around some of the most famous musicians of all time. They influenced his future music career. He has won many awards and with it a great fortune. He is one of the richest celebrities in Hollywood today.

32. Lou Adler: Net Worth $200 Million

Lou Adler is a record producer, director, and owner of the Roxy Theater. He is a Los Angeles-based powerhouse. He founded his first record company, Dunhill Records, in 1964 which he then sold to ABC Records for $3 million. In 1967, he founded Ode Records.

Lou Adler poses at home.
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In 1972, he won two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year for “It’s Too Late” by Carole King and Album of the Year Tapestry. He produced the cult classic horror film The Rocky Horror Picture Show and directed two movies: Ladies and Gentlemen and The Fabulous Stain.

31. Ozzy Osbourne: Net Worth $220 Million

John Michael Osbourne, more famously known as Ozzy Osbourne, is a singer and songwriter with a net worth of $220 million. He is a Grammy Award winner whose musical career has lasted 40 years. His career as the lead singer of rock band Black Sabbath has branded him the “Godfather of Heavy Metal.”

A portrait of Ozzy Osbourne.
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He was born in Aston, Birmingham in the year 1948. He was the fourth child in a family of six children and was referred to by the nickname Ozzy since he was a boy. So naturally, the name led him to stardom.

30. David Bowie: Net Worth $230 Million

David Bowie is one of the most iconic musicians of all time. He is a British singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor with an estimated net worth of $230 million. His powerful and revolutionary singing career spanned nearly five decades. He has been performing since the age of 15 when he formed the group the Konrads.

David Bowie On Set of
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From then on, he has created some of the most highly regarded music that is still played today. His hits include “Space Oddity,” “Fame,” “Ashes to Ashes,” “Let’s Dance,” and many more. He has won 14 awards from different music and television organizations such as the American Music Awards, Brit Awards, and BAFTA Television Awards.

29. Rod Stewart: Net Worth $235 Million

He is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer. Rod Stewart is a music legend who has managed to stay relevant and release music for decades. His series of albums called Great American Songbook have formed his career; his last installment, Fly Me to the Moon, was released in 2010. He has toured in counties all over the world such as Dubai and Malta. He has even performed at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Alt Rod Stewart attends the Sun’s Who Cares Wins Awards.

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He has a large real estate portfolio featuring houses in France and Essex, a seafront house in Palm Beach, and a mansion in Beverly Hills. He is married to Penny Lancaster and is the father of eight children. His unique, raspy singing voice has branded him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

28. Master P: Net Worth $250 Million

Percy Robert Miller or Master P is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the founder and CEO of No Limit Records, a record label; the founder of P. Miller Enterprises, an entertainment conglomerate; and Better Black Television, an African- American multi-media entertainment company.

Master P accepts the I Am Hip Hop award.
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Master P is an excellent businessman who has built an empire that includes several rap labels, a clothing line, a management company, a film production company, a video game company, and a travel agency. His most successful business venture was his record label No Limit Records because it really helped formulate and build the Rap sound in the South.

27. Eric Clapton: Net Worth $250 Million

Eric Clapton is a British rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is popularly known as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He has been a part of many music groups such as Cream, MORE, Derek and the Dominos, and the Yardbirds.

Eric Clapton performing on stage at The Prince's Trust all-star Rock Gala.
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He also launched a solo career. He has won 15 Grammys as a solo artist and in a group. In 2010 alone, he released an album and performed in 34 concerts in Europe and America. His skills and sound have set him apart from other guitarists and brought him fame, glory, and a lot of money!

26. Tim Rice: Net Worth $250 Million

Tim Rice is a lyricist and author from Shardeloes, United Kingdom, with an estimated net worth of $250 million. He began his career in the music industry in 1966 working for EMI Records as a management trainee. He collaborated with great artists like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, and Alan Menken.

Tim Rice attends an event.
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He worked with Menken and John on the soundtracks for Aladdin and The Lion King winning them an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and a Grammy for Song of the Year for “A Whole New World.” In 2008, Rice was given a star on the Hollywood walk of fame in honor of his artistry and talent.

25. Don Henley: Net Worth $250 Million

Don Henley is one of the richest singers in the world. He is a renowned drummer, singer, and songwriter. He is the founder, drummer, and lead vocalist of the Eagles. Henley has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and won two Grammy Awards.

A portrait of Don Henley.
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It is estimated that Don Henley is the fourth wealthiest drummer in the world. He was born and raised in Texas. He fell into music after being kicked off his high school football team for being too short. He decided to join the school band and found his passion.

24. Phil Collins: Net Worth $260 Million

Singer, songwriter, drummer, pianist, and actor Phil Collins has a net worth of $260 million. He was the drummer and singer of the rock band Genesis, but he received much wealth and success as a solo artist as well. Genesis sold over 150 million albums and in his solo career, Phil Collins sold 100 million albums.

Phil Collins Press Conference for the Little Dreams Foundation.
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Between 1984 and 1990, Collins had a streak of 13 straight Top Ten hits in the United States. He is considered one of the most successful pop singers since the ‘80s and it’s all due to his sheer talent and drive.

23. Roger Waters: Net Worth $270 Million

Roger Waters was the founder of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. He started as the bassist but transitioned to songwriter and co-lead vocalist in 1968. He had a falling out with the band and left mid-1980s and began his solo career.

Roger Waters attends photocall to announce his 2011 European Tour.
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He still receives a large bulk of his wealth from Pink Floyd Royalties, making money off any songs played or albums sold. Since its conception, Pink Floyd has sold over 200 million albums. He still tours today, filling stadiums across the world with loyal fans.

22. Dhani Harrison: Net Worth $275 Million

Dhani Harrison is a British singer-songwriter and composer. He is the son of Olivia and George Harris, the Beatles’ lead guitarist. His breakout into the music industry began after his father’s death. He helped complete George Harrison’s last album called Brainwashed which was released in 2002.

Dhani Harrison arrives at the Friends And Family GRAMMY Event.
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He then went on to form his own band thenewno2 and performed at music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza. In 2013, he launched his career as a composer and did the music for the Warner Bros. movie Beautiful Creatures. He continues to compose music and collaborate with artists today.

21. L. A. Reid: Net Worth $300 Million

An American songwriter, record producer, and record executive, L.A. Reid has a net worth of $300 million. He co-founded a record label called LaFace Records with his brother. Currently, he is the CEO of Epic Records, a recording company owned by Sony Music Entertainment.

L.A. Reid poses during
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He is most notably known for jumpstarting the careers of many popular modern-day artists. He has discovered and signed record deals with artists like Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kanye West, Usher, Outcast, and so many more. Over the years, Reid has collected three Grammys and 18 BMI awards. He is absolutely an R & B legend.

20. Sting: Net Worth $300 Million

Gordon Matthew Thomas, better known as Sting, began his journey to fame by moving from Newcastle to London. In 1977, he joined the band The Police with Stewart Copeland and Henry Padovani. The band had many popular hits such as “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne.”

Sting poses for a photo.
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Sting moved on to a solo career and released an album called The Dream of the Blue Turtles which really kickstarted his life as a solo artist. He toured all over the world, had many hits on Billboard Charts, and received many accolades.

19. Jon Bon Jovi: Net Worth $300 Million

Jon Bon Jovi is the lead singer and founder of the rock band Bon Jovi. His career began in the mid-1980s with the band. The albums Slippery When Wet and New Jersey went multi-platinum. He also gained an academy award nomination for composing the score for the movie Young Guns II.

Jon Bon Jovi poses for a portrait.
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Throughout his career, Bon Jovi split his time between the band and creating his own personal creative projects as a solo artist. In 2000, the band released an album called Crush which became popular worldwide, and it featured the smash-hit “It’s My Life.”

18. Gene Simmons: Net Worth $300 Million

Gene Simmons is an Israeli-American bassist for the legendary rock and roll band, Kiss. He was born in Israel in 1949 but by the late ‘50s, his mother moved him to New York City where his name was changed from Chaim Witz to Gene Klein.

Gene Simmons arrives at Relativity Media's premiere of
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In NYC, he was quickly exposed to comic books and rock & roll, discovered his passion, and left his rabbi lessons behind. He started a rock band, and the rest is history. He is currently writing an autobiography, creating his own magazine, designing his own clothing line, and hosting a TV show called Hit Men.

17. Neil Sedaka: Net Worth $300 Million

Celebrated singer, composer, and pianist Neil Sedaka has a net worth of $300 million. He had a 55-year long career and was a popular musician in the mid-‘60s. After he graduated high school, Sedaka and his friends started a band called The Tokens.

Neil Sedaka performs on stage.
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They had a few good songs like “While I Dream” and “I Love My Baby” but nothing major. Then, they had a hit in 1961, a song called “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” This song gained international success, it instantly became a classic all over the world and was featured in the animated film The Lion King.

16. Lady Gaga: Net Worth $320 Million

Lady Gaga is a modern-day icon. She is a singer, songwriter, and actress. In 2019, Forbes placed her 10th on the “Top-Earning Musicians of the Decade” list. Time Magazine branded her one of the most influential people in the world. In 2020, Forbes declared her one of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women.”

Lady Gaga attends The 2019 Met Gala.
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Since the young age of four, Lady Gaga has been singing and playing piano. After dropping out of college and moving away from her parents, Gaga finally made it big with her first album, The Fame, released in 2008. The electronic-pop album with heavy ‘80s disco influence solidified her unique sound. Paired with her eccentric, individual style, her rise to stardom was instant!

15. Keith Richards: Net Worth $340 Million

Keith Richards is a musician, singer-songwriter, and one of the members of revolutionary English rock band, the Rolling Stones. He co-wrote 14 songs with Mick Jagger that were on the list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Keith Richards poses backstage.
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When he finished with the Rolling Stones, he decided to pursue a career as a solo artist. His debut album, Talk Is Cheap, became a certified gold record. Keith Richards was admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993. He is a talented musician, and his sound continues to be unmatched.

14. Bruce Springsteen: Net Worth $345 Million

Singer-songwriter, Bruce Springsteen, is an American musician who was been performing since 1965. He was born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1949. Springsteen was a member of the bandEarth and Steel Mill where his immense songwriting skills got him a record deal with Columbia Records.

Bruce Springsteen poses for a portrait.
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This record deal jumpstarted his road to stardom with songs like “Born to Run,” “High Hopes,” and the American classic, “Born in the U.S.A.” He has been awarded 20 Grammys and he was initiated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

13. Ringo Star: Net Worth $350 Million

Ringo Starr is the drummer of the legendary British band The Beatles. He is also a singer-songwriter and actor. He began his music career by playing in a series of small bands until, in 1962, John Lennon asked him to be the drummer for the Beatles.

ingo Starr attends MusiCares: Music On A Mission Online Celebration.
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In 1989, Ringo formed his own band called Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band. They have been touring until now. In 2002, he was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. He is truly a musical legend and drummer aficionado. His contribution to the Beatles and to music as a whole is invaluable.

12. Mick Jagger: Net Worth $360 Million

Sir Michael Phillip Jagger or Mick Jagger is a British musician, singer, and songwriter. He was lead vocalist of the rock band The Rolling Stones. He has also produced and been cast in various films. His career in the music industry has lasted over fifty years. He has a unique performing style that bends traditional masculinity and leaves space for self-reflection and reinvention.

A portrait of Mick Jagger.
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The Rolling Stones most recent tour had 147 shows and was watched by a collective audience of 4.5 million people. They toured for two years and had the highest-grossing record for three years.

11. Jimmy Buffett: Net Worth $430 Million

Jimmy Buffet is a songwriter, author, and businessman. Most of his wealth has been accrued by his music career in production, singing, and songwriting. He began his career in 1968 in Nashville, Tennessee, where he became a country singer and recorded a debut album called Down to Earth.

Jimmy Buffett arrives at Jimmy Buffett's
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He combined folk and country music to create an original “gulf and Western” beach-bum kind of sound which portrayed an “island escapism” kind of life. He has recorded hit songs such as “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday” that still play today.

10. Coldplay: Net Worth $475 Million

Coldplay is made up of vocalist Chris Martin, bassist Guy Berryman, guitarist Johnny Buckland, and drummer Will Champion. Together, they are a British alternative rock band that formed at London College in 1996. Their single “Yellow,” released in 2000, led them to international fame.

Jonny Buckland, Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion of Coldplay pose at a studio session.
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Their first album Parachutes received a Mercury Prize nomination. Their second album A Rush of Blood to the Head was awarded the NME Best Album of the Year and a single on the album “Clocks” won a Grammy in 2003 for Best Record. The group is still creating and releasing chart-topping music today.

9. Elton John: Net Worth $480 Million

Sir Elton Hercules John is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. He is the second richest singer in the United Kingdom with a net worth of $480 million. He has been in the music industry for over 40 years and has sold more than 250 million records. He is considered one of the most successful artists in history.

Elton John attends the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards
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He is a colorful and creative performer who has written countless hit songs. From 1970 to 1982 Elton John had 30 different hits on the Top 40 Charts. He has won six Grammys, four Brit Awards, one Oscar, one Tony Award, and one Golden Globe. He’s almost to an EGOT!

8. Emilio Estefan: Net Worth $500 Million

The Cuban music producer, singer, and businessman, Emilio Estefan is number eight on this list. His fortune has come from his singing and acting career. He is the organizer of many music-related events both for Hispanic and global talent. He put together the Nuestra Navidad, The Hispanic Heritage Awards, and The Latin Grammys.

Emilio Estefan talks about his life and career at The Library of Congress.
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In 2010, Estefan published a best-selling memoir called “The Rhythm of Success – How an Immigrant Produced his own American Dream.” Additionally, he runs serval businesses with his wife, singer Gloria Estefan, such as Cuban-themed restaurants and cafes located in Miami, and they run two hotels in Miami as well.

7. Madonna: Net Worth $580 Million

She is an icon and a household name worldwide. She is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur– Madonna. She was a brilliant performer and managed to stay relevant by constantly changing the world’s perception of her to fit the times.

Madonna arrives at the 'I Am Because We Are' Premiere.
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She went from dance club queen to voguer to cowgirl to edgy vamp. Whatever was popular in the music industry, Madonna masterfully made it her own. She has sold over 300 million records throughout her career and the Guinness World Record named her the world’s best-selling female recording artist of all time. She is a powerhouse.

6. Dr. Dre: Net Worth $800 Million

Andre Young, known as Dr. Dre, is a tycoon. His astronomical net worth has been acquired not only by his musical pursuits but through his recording label Aftermath, Beats headphones, and the HP Notebook laptop. He is the inventor and embodiment of the harsh and powerful rap genre, gangsta rap.

Dr. Dre attends the Hand and Footprint Ceremony.
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His career as a rapper really took off with iconic rap group N.W.A. He has not produced an album in over 10 years, but he has helped launch the careers of so many popular rappers including Snoop Dog, 50 Cent, and Eminem. Dr. Dre revolutionized rap and the hip-hop industry.

5. Sean Combs: Net Worth $825 Million

Sean Combs is a rapper, record producer, and actor. Some of his most popular nicknames are Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy. He began his career in the music industry as an intern at Uptown Records. In 1993, He got fired and decided to start his own record label called Bad Boy Records.

P. Diddy poses backstage during the 44th Annual Grammy Awards.
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He signed The Notorious B.I.G. and went on to sign artists like Faith Evans, 112, and Total. At the time, he also produced some of TLC’s big hits on their CrazySexyCool album. As a rapper, P. Diddy’s first album earned the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 1998.

4. Herb Alpert: Net Worth $850 Million

The seventy-eight-year-old American musician, Herb Alpert, has a net worth of $850 million. He was born in California and from a very young age, his mother began teaching him the violin. In 1952, he joined the American Army and performed at military ceremonies. Through this, he was able to hone his skills.

Herb Alpert plays a trumpet in the garden of his Malibu home.
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When he finished his service, He began his music career. He has won the Grammy Trustee Award, a Tony Award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and he received the National Medal of Arts Awards from former president Barak Obama.

3. Andrew Lloyd Webber: Net Worth $1.2 Billion

Hitting the top three is Andrew Lloyd Webber, a composer and theater producer and director. His most famous musicals are Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita, and The Phantom of the Opera. His plays have been put on in 148 different countries.

Andrew Lloyd Webber attends the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

His music and composing style ranges from rock to pop to jazz making his musicals one of a kind. The English director was given the title of Lord by the Queen of England, and he can sit in the House of Lords in Parliament. He is an English treasure but a worldwide phenomenon.

2. Paul McCartney: Net Worth $1.28 Billion

He is one of the most famous English musicians of all time and a member of the Beatles. Paul McCartney is number two on this list with a net worth that climbs over a billion. He is a composer, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist.

Paul McCartney performs in concert.
Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

His journey to stardom began as the co-vocalist and bassist of the Beatles but after the band broke up, he started a solo career. He is named one of the most successful recording artists of all time by Guinness with more than 100 million single sales, 100 million album sales, and 60 gold discs.

1. Jay Z: Net Worth $1.4 Billion

At number one is none other than, Shawn Corey Carter or the infamous, Jay Z. He is not only husband to Beyonce Knowles, but he is a rapper, record executive, and businessman. He changed the Hip Hop industry becoming one of the best-selling musicians worldwide.

Jay-Z attends 2020 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

He has sold over 50 million albums and 75 million singles. He has won 22 Grammys, the most ever received by a rapper, and holds the most number-one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200 list with 14 albums. He is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the Salute to Industry Icons Award at the 2018 Grammys because that’s what he truly is—an icon.