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The success of a musician is not only measured by record sales or the number one singles released in a year. Sometimes, a musician’s influence gives them the opportunity to venture into business or endorse several brands and this translates into more money.
Making it onto the Forbes’ list is a dream of every musician therefore.
The Forbes’ list was started by Forbes Magazine back in 2009 and aims to feature the world’s most powerful people. The list is compiled annually based on the musicians’ touring money, record sales, publishing royalties, merchandise, endorsements, and other major business ventures.
This year’s list was compiled from the fiscal year of June 2013 to June 2014. Following the release of the list just days ago, the highest paid musicians were:
Dr Dre
Andre Young, popularly known as Dr Dre is a rapper, producer and entrepreneur who topped the list this year with an estimated earning of over Sh55billion. He is the co-founder of Beats headphones, from which he made over Sh264billion in a sale to Apple.
Beats by Dr Dre have become famous over the years, since 2008. Almost every music video features the brand, making it the most popular merchandise. No wonder Dr Dre made the list as the highest paid musician.
Beyoncé
Miss Sasha Fierce came in second with total earnings estimated at Sh10 billion from her sold-out tour, platinum records and several endorsement deals. Mrs Carter also topped the list as the top earning female artiste in 2014. Her On The Run Tour was sold out and endorsement deals such as Pepsi contributed to the earnings. She also released her fragrance line with over six scents, which in turn became the best-selling celebrity fragrance line.
The Eagles
The American rock band came in third with earnings of over Sh8billion. The band has five number-one singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and six number one albums. Their most successful Album was Hotel California which saw them make millions of sales. The band is currently on a World Tour to support their previously released documentary, History of the Eagles.
Bon Jovi
The American rock band from New Jersey made the list at number four with over Sh7billion in total earnings. The band was formed in 1983 with Jon Bon Jovi as the lead singer. They have had numerous successes with albums such as Slippery When Wet and New Jersey. Their single It’s My Life was a success with millions of sales all over the world.
In 2013, the band released their thirteenth studio Album, What About Now, which included a touring schedule. They have sold out arenas all over the world, earning them their spot on the top 5 list.
Bruce Springsteen
The singer, songwriter earned a total of Sh. 7billion and came in close to Bon Jovi. He released his 18th Album “High Hopes” back in January and a went on tour to some of the biggest stadiums in the world.
Other musicians who made the list were Justin Bieber (Sh7billion), One Direction (Sh6.6billion), Paul McCartney (Sh6.2billion), Calvin Harris (Sh5.8billion) and Toby Keith with Sh5.7billion.
Courtesy of Forbes Magazine and The Guardian
photo:www.harbiodinho.com
