Ever wondered just how much money your favorite musicians are raking in? In 2024, some of the biggest names in music have turned their talent into massive fortunes. We’re talking billions here.
This list of the 24 richest musicians in the world shows just how far you can go when you mix creativity with a sharp business sense.
| Musician | Net Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jay-Z | $2.5 billion |
| 2 | Rihanna | $1.4 billion |
| 3 | Taylor Swift | $1.3 billion |
| 4 | Sir Paul McCartney | $1.3 billion |
| 5 | Bruce Springsteen | $1.1 billion |
| 6 | Madonna | $850 million |
| 7 | Bono | $850 million |
| 8 | Herb Alpert | $850 million |
| 9 | Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs | $850 million |
| 10 | Andrew Lloyd Webber | $850 million |
| 11 | Elton John | $750 million |
| 12 | Beyoncé | $750 million |
| 13 | Dr. Dre | $700 million |
| 14 | Celine Dion | $700 million |
| 15 | Dolly Parton | $650 million |
| 16 | Michael Bublé | $650 million |
| 17 | Jimmy Buffett | $650 million |
| 18 | Pharrell Williams | $600 million |
| 19 | Barbra Streisand | $600 million |
| 20 | Justin Bieber | $550 million |
| 21 | Mariah Carey | $550 million |
| 22 | Kanye West | $500 million |
| 23 | Adele | $500 million |
| 24 | Selena Gomez | $450 million |
1. Jay-Z
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.5 billion | Music, Business Ventures, Investments | December 4, 1969 | American | Founder of Roc Nation, Tidal; 24 Grammy Awards | Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, 4:44 | Roc Nation, Tidal, Armand de Brignac, D’Ussé | 24 Grammy Awards, 2 Brit Awards |
Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, has achieved immense success both as a musician and a businessman. His music career began with Reasonable Doubt in 1996, which set the stage for a series of successful albums, including The Blueprint and 4:44.
His innovative approach and lyrical prowess have earned him 24 Grammy Awards, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.
In addition to his music career, Jay-Z has made a significant impact through various business ventures. He is the founder of Roc Nation, a full-service entertainment company, and Tidal, a music streaming service.
His investments extend into real estate, art, and premium spirits, including Armand de Brignac champagne and D’Ussé cognac. These diverse interests have contributed to his impressive $2.5 billion net worth.
Jay-Z’s business empire includes a stake in the champagne brand Armand de Brignac, which is known as “Ace of Spades.”
2. Rihanna
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.4 billion | Music, Business Ventures, Fashion | February 20, 1988 | Barbadian | Founder of Fenty Beauty, 9 Grammy Awards | Music of the Sun, Good Girl Gone Bad, Anti | Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, Fenty Skin | 9 Grammy Awards, 13 Billboard Music Awards |
Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is renowned for her influential role in both music and business. Her breakthrough came with her debut album Music of the Sun in 2005, and she quickly became a global icon with subsequent releases like Good Girl Gone Bad and Anti.
Throughout her career, she has amassed 9 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades.
She launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, revolutionizing the beauty industry with its inclusive range of products. Her other ventures include Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line, and Fenty Skin.
Her diverse entrepreneurial efforts have significantly contributed to her $1.4 billion net worth.
3. Taylor Swift
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.3 billion | Music, Touring, Merchandising | December 13, 1989 | American | Multiple-time Grammy Winner, Forbes Highest-Earning Musician | Fearless, Speak Now, 1989, Folklore | None listed | 12 Grammy Awards, 29 American Music Awards |
Taylor Swift, born Taylor Alison Swift, has made an indelible mark on the music industry with her exceptional songwriting and versatility. Starting with her self-titled debut album in 2006, she has grown into one of the most successful artists of her generation.
Her notable albums include Fearless, 1989, and Folklore, which have collectively earned her 12 Grammy Awards.
Taylor Swift’s 2020 album Folklore was the first album of the year to sell more than 1 million copies in the U.S. in its first week since 2017.
4. Sir Paul McCartney
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.3 billion | Music, Touring, Songwriting | June 18, 1942 | British | Co-founder of The Beatles, 18 Grammy Awards | Band on the Run, Ram, Egypt Station | None listed | 18 Grammy Awards, 1 Golden Globe Award |
Sir Paul McCartney, born James Paul McCartney, is a legendary musician renowned for his role as a co-founder of The Beatles. His extensive career includes landmark albums such as Band on the Run and Egypt Station.
McCartney’s songwriting, particularly his work with John Lennon, has earned him 18 Grammy Awards and an enduring legacy in music history.
Paul McCartney once turned down a reported $50 million offer to reunite The Beatles for a one-time performance.
5. Bruce Springsteen
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.1 billion | Music, Touring, Songwriting | September 23, 1949 | American | Known as “The Boss”, 20 Grammy Awards | Born to Run, The River, Wrecking Ball | None listed | 20 Grammy Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards |
Bruce Springsteen, born Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen, is a highly influential figure in rock music. Known for his powerful live performances and storytelling, Springsteen’s acclaimed albums include Born to Run and Wrecking Ball.
His extensive career has garnered him 20 Grammy Awards and a reputation as “The Boss.”
Springsteen’s financial success stems from his significant album sales, successful tours, and songwriting royalties. His $1.1 billion net worth highlights his enduring popularity and impact on the music industry.
Bruce Springsteen’s album Born to Run was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
6. Madonna
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $850 million | Music, Touring, Business Ventures | August 16, 1958 | American | Queen of Pop, 7 Grammy Awards | Like a Virgin, True Blue, Confessions on a Dance Floor | MDNA Skin, Maverick Records | 7 Grammy Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards |
Madonna, born Madonna Louise Ciccone, is celebrated for her pioneering role in music and pop culture. She gained fame with albums like Like a Virgin and Confessions on a Dance Floor. Her career includes 7 Grammy Awards and 2 Golden Globe Awards.
Madonna has made significant business moves, including launching MDNA Skin and founding Maverick Records. Her net worth is $850 million.
Madonna holds the record for the most number-one singles by a female artist on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. Bono
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $850 million | Music, Business Ventures | May 10, 1960 | Irish | Lead vocalist of U2, 22 Grammy Awards | The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, Songs of Innocence | Elevation Partners, RED | 22 Grammy Awards, 1 Golden Globe Award |
Bono, born Paul David Hewson, is the lead singer of U2, known for albums like The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby. He has received 22 Grammy Awards and 1 Golden Globe Award.
Bono is involved in business ventures like Elevation Partners and RED. His net worth is $850 million.
Bono co-founded the ONE Campaign, which fights against extreme poverty and preventable disease in Africa.
8. Herb Alpert
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $850 million | Music, Business Ventures | March 31, 1935 | American | Co-founder of A&M Records, 9 Grammy Awards | Whipped Cream & Other Delights, Rise | Co-founder of A&M Records | 9 Grammy Awards, 14 Platinum Albums |
Herb Alpert, born Herbert Alpert, is known for his music and as a co-founder of A&M Records. His key albums include Whipped Cream & Other Delights and Rise. Alpert has won 9 Grammy Awards.
His business success with A&M Records contributes to his net worth of $850 million.
9. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $850 million | Music, Business Ventures | November 4, 1969 | American | Entrepreneur, 3 Grammy Awards | No Way Out, The Saga Continues | Bad Boy Records, Ciroc, DeLeon | 3 Grammy Awards, 2 MTV Video Music Awards |
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, born November 4, 1969, is a prominent music artist and entrepreneur. He is known for albums like No Way Out and has won 3 Grammy Awards and 2 MTV Video Music Awards.
His business ventures include Bad Boy Records, Ciroc vodka, and DeLeon tequila. Diddy’s net worth is $850 million.
10. Andrew Lloyd Webber
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $850 million | Music, Theater | March 22, 1948 | British | Composer of hit musicals, 7 Tony Awards | The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar | None listed | 7 Tony Awards, 3 Grammy Awards |
Andrew Lloyd Webber, born March 22, 1948, is renowned for composing successful musicals like The Phantom of the Opera and Cats. He has won 7 Tony Awards and 3 Grammy Awards.
His net worth stands at $850 million.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.
11. Elton John
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $750 million | Music, Touring, Songwriting | March 25, 1947 | British | Iconic pianist, 6 Grammy Awards | Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Rocket Man, The Diving Board | None listed | 6 Grammy Awards, 1 Academy Award |
Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is a legendary musician known for his powerful piano performances and hit albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Rocket Man. He has won 6 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award.
John’s career is highlighted by extensive touring and songwriting. His net worth is $750 million.
Elton John has raised over $500 million for charity through his annual AIDS Foundation ball.
12. Beyoncé
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $750 million | Music, Touring, Business Ventures | September 4, 1981 | American | Queen of Pop, 32 Grammy Awards | Dangerously in Love, Lemonade, Renaissance | Ivy Park, House of Deréon | 32 Grammy Awards, 4 MTV Video Music Awards |
Beyoncé, born Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, is a prominent singer and performer known for her influential albums like Dangerously in Love and Lemonade. She has won 28 Grammy Awards and 4 MTV Video Music Awards.
In addition to her music career, Beyoncé has business ventures such as Ivy Park and House of Deréon. Her net worth is $750 million.
13. Dr. Dre
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $700 million | Music, Business Ventures | February 18, 1965 | American | Pioneer in hip-hop, 6 Grammy Awards | The Chronic, 2001 | Beats by Dre, Aftermath Entertainment | 6 Grammy Awards, 1 American Music Award |
Dr. Dre, born Andre Romelle Young, is a pivotal figure in hip-hop, known for albums like The Chronic and 2001. He has received 6 Grammy Awards and 1 American Music Award.
Beyond music, Dr. Dre co-founded Beats by Dre and Aftermath Entertainment. His net worth is $700 million.
Dr. Dre’s Beats by Dre headphones were sold to Apple for $3 billion in 2014.
14. Celine Dion
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $700 million | Music, Touring | March 30, 1968 | Canadian | Iconic vocalist, 5 Grammy Awards | Falling into You, Let’s Talk About Love | None listed | 5 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Awards |
Celine Dion, born Céline Marie Claudette Dion, is renowned for her powerful vocals and albums such as Falling into You and Let’s Talk About Love. She has won 5 Grammy Awards and 2 Academy Awards.
Her career achievements in music and touring contribute to her net worth of $700 million.
15. Dolly Parton
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $650 million | Music, Business Ventures | January 19, 1946 | American | Country music icon, 11 Grammy Awards | Jolene, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs, Blue Smoke | Dollywood, Dixie Stampede | 11 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Awards |
Dolly Parton, born Dolly Rebecca Parton, is a country music legend known for her albums like Jolene and Blue Smoke. She has earned 11 Grammy Awards and 2 Academy Awards.
Parton’s business ventures include Dollywood and Dixie Stampede. Her net worth is $650 million.
Dolly Parton wrote the song I Will Always Love You in just 30 minutes.
16. Michael Bublé
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $650 million | Music, Touring | September 9, 1975 | Canadian | Jazz and pop vocalist, 4 Grammy Awards | It’s Time, Call Me Irresponsible, Crazy Love | None listed | 4 Grammy Awards, 2 Juno Awards |
Michael Bublé, born Michael Steven Bublé, is known for his jazz and pop music. His albums include It’s Time and Crazy Love.
Bublé has won 4 Grammy Awards and 2 Juno Awards.
His net worth is $650 million.
17. Jimmy Buffett
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $650 million | Music, Touring, Business Ventures | December 25, 1946 | American | Known for “Margaritaville,” 2 Grammy Nominations | Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, Buffet Hotel | Margaritaville, LandShark Beer | 2 Grammy Nominations, 1 CMA Award |
Jimmy Buffett, born James William Buffett, is famous for his hit song “Margaritaville” and his laid-back musical style. His key albums include Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes and Buffet Hotel.
He has received 2 Grammy nominations and 1 CMA Award. Buffett also has successful business ventures like Margaritaville and LandShark Beer. His net worth is $650 million.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant chain is a successful brand with locations around the world.
18. Pharrell Williams
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $600 million | Music, Business Ventures | April 5, 1973 | American | Influential producer, 13 Grammy Awards | In My Mind, G I R L | Billionaire Boys Club, Good Music | 13 Grammy Awards, 1 Academy Award |
Pharrell Williams, born Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, is a major figure in music production and performance. His notable albums include In My Mind and G I R L. Williams has won 13 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award.
His business ventures include Billionaire Boys Club and Good Music. His net worth is $600 million.
Pharrell Williams’ hit song Happy became a global anthem and reached the top of the charts in over 20 countries.
19. Barbra Streisand
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $600 million | Music, Acting, Business Ventures | April 24, 1942 | American | Iconic singer and actress, 8 Grammy Awards | The Way We Were, Guilty, Walls | Spelling Entertainment, Barwood Films | 8 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Awards |
Barbra Streisand, born Barbara Joan Streisand, is celebrated for her work in music and film. Her notable albums include The Way We Were and Guilty.
She has won 8 Grammy Awards and 2 Academy Awards. Streisand’s business ventures include Spelling Entertainment and Barwood Films. Her net worth is $600 million.
20. Justin Bieber
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $550 million | Music, Touring, Business Ventures | March 1, 1994 | Canadian | Pop sensation, 1 Grammy Award | My World 2.0, Purpose, Justice | None listed | 1 Grammy Award, 2 American Music Awards |
Justin Bieber, born Justin Drew Bieber, is a pop star known for his albums My World 2.0 and Purpose. He has won 1 Grammy Award and 2 American Music Awards.
Bieber’s wealth comes from his music career and business ventures. His net worth is $550 million.
Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube by Scooter Braun, who later became his manager.
21. Mariah Carey
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $550 million | Music, Touring, Business Ventures | March 27, 1969 | American | Iconic vocalist, 5 Grammy Awards | Music Box, Daydream, Caution | None listed | 5 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards |
Mariah Carey, born Mariah Angela Carey, is a renowned vocalist known for her albums Music Box and Daydream.
She has won 5 Grammy Awards and 2 American Music Awards. Carey’s net worth is $550 million.
Mariah Carey’s song All I Want for Christmas Is You is a holiday classic that earns her millions in royalties every year.
22. Kanye West
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 million | Music, Fashion, Business Ventures | June 8, 1977 | American | Influential rapper, 22 Grammy Awards | The College Dropout, Late Registration, Yeezus | Yeezy, West’s fashion line | 22 Grammy Awards, 1 American Music Award |
Kanye West, born Kanye Omari West, is an influential rapper and fashion designer known for albums like The College Dropout and Yeezus.
He has won 22 Grammy Awards and 1 American Music Award. West’s business ventures include his fashion line Yeezy. His net worth is $500 million.
Kanye West has made headlines for his fashion line Yeezy, which has become a major influence in the sneaker and apparel industries.
23. Adele
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 million | Music, Touring | May 5, 1988 | British | Renowned singer, 15 Grammy Awards | 19, 21, 30 | None listed | 15 Grammy Awards, 1 Academy Award |
Adele, born Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, is a critically acclaimed singer known for her albums 19, 21, and 30. She has won 15 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award.
Adele’s net worth is $500 million.
Adele’s album 25 became the best-selling album of 2015 in the U.S., selling over 8 million copies in its first six weeks.
24. Selena Gomez
| Net Worth | Main Source of Wealth | Born | Nationality | Key Achievements | Notable Albums | Business Ventures | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $450 million | Music, Acting, Business Ventures | July 22, 1992 | American | Successful pop star and actress | Stars Dance, Revival, Rare | Rare Beauty, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building | 1 American Music Award, 1 MTV Video Music Award |
Selena Gomez, born Selena Marie Gomez, is a pop star and actress known for her albums Stars Dance and Rare. She has received 1 American Music Award and 1 MTV Video Music Award.
Gomez is also the founder of Rare Beauty and stars in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Her net worth is $450 million.
Selena Gomez became the first woman to reach 400 million followers on Instagram in 2022.
FAQs
How did Rihanna become a billionaire?
Rihanna became a billionaire largely through her Fenty Beauty line, which has been praised for its inclusivity.
What record did Taylor Swift break with Folklore?
Taylor Swift’s album Folklore was the first album of the year to sell over 1 million copies in the U.S. in its first week since 2017.
Did Sir Paul McCartney ever reunite The Beatles?
No, Paul McCartney turned down a $50 million offer to reunite The Beatles for a one-time performance.
What is Bruce Springsteen’s most famous album?
Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run is considered one of his most famous albums and is listed among the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
What is Bono known for besides music?
Bono is known for co-founding the ONE Campaign, which fights against extreme poverty and preventable disease in Africa.
Conclusion
The list of the richest musicians in 2024 highlights how talent and smart decisions can lead to immense wealth. These artists have achieved financial success through a mix of music, business ventures, and personal branding. Their stories show that being successful in the music industry can extend well beyond just recording albums and performing.
