Michael Jackson Still Top Earning Celebrity
Michael Jackson is number one in Forbes Top Earnings Dead Celebrities List
Michael Jackson’s sudden and tragic death was described by many music specialists as his comeback, even though he wasn’t there to witness it, a comeback he prepared for months before his death.
However, the conditions in which he died and the unexpected death of the King of Pop brought Michael Jackson millions of fans and his songs, the greatest hits he ever released, were once again extremely popular. And not only his most devoted fans, but also new hundreds of other fans listened to him music, and it seems that they also bought his albums as Michael Jackson is this year’s top-earning dead celebrity with $275 million income, Forbes said on Monday after releasing its famous top.
“Jackson’s spot atop our top earning dead celebrities list should come as no surprise given the renewed fan interest in music, videos and all things Michael Jackson,” said Lacey Rose, Forbes writer. He added that Michael also earned this year more than Lady Gaga, Madonna and Jay-Z, combined. And not only that Michael Jackson has the number one on Forbes top, but he also has highest earnings than the other 12 celebrities following him on the list combined. Last year, Jackson was on the third position, with a total of $90 million.
Michael Jackson died in June 25, 2009. The famous singer planned a serial of comeback concerts in London before his death. However, it seems that his family made millions through the record sales of his albums, the “This Is It” concert movie, license rights and also a Cirque du Soleil stage show in Las Vegas. And Michael’s name will probably always sell, and since the conditions of his death are not clarified yet, Dr. Conrad Murray still being a suspect in the case, the mystery involving the King of Pop will probably continue to increase sales. Dr. Conrad Murray is still waiting his trial on the charges of being responsible with the death of the singer by administrating him a powerful anesthetic to help him sleep, Reuters wrote.
However, the second place on the Forbes 2010 top-earning list is occupied by Elvis, but the earning associated to the singer are at only $60 million, compared to the $275 million obtained in Jackson’s case. Elvis Presley’s earnings came from admissions to his former home, Graceland, a place transformed nowadays into a museum, being a major tourist attraction in Memphis, Tennessee and from more than 200 licensing and merchandise deals.
Elvis Presley is on the second place in Forbes Top Earnings Dead Celebrities List
The third place goes to the “The Lord of the Rings” author J.R.R. Tolkien with earnings of $50 million. Charles Schulz, the creator of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, is number four according to Forbes when it comes to earnings, with $33 million. John Lennon was ranked number 5 with earnings of $17 million. The former Beatles member would have turned 70 this year, his wife Yoko Ono organizing a serial of events in the honor of his late husband. According to Forbes, the list included deceased celebrities who have earned at least $5 million between October 1, 2009 and October 1, 2010.
Here is the Top Earnings Dead Celebrities List released by Forbes:
1. Michael Jackson
2. Elvis Presley
3. J.R.R. Tolkien
4. Charles Schulz
5. John Lennon
6. Stieg Larsson
7. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)
8. Albert Einstein
9. George Steinbrenner
10. Richard Rodgers
11. Jimi Hendrix
11. Steve McQueen – Jimi Hendrix and Steve McQueen obtained the same incomes according to Forbes
13. Aaron Spelling
