Top 10 Richest Living Musicians in 2015

Mariah Carey - $510 Million Net Worth

While Mariah Carey isn’t really making headlines anymore (except for when Nick Cannon divorced her) she still stands strong in this list. 

Jay-Z - $560 Million Net Worth

This self proclaimed rapper might not be the most wealthy on the list, but he is definitely the most commercially successful. With over 100 million record sales and 19 grammys, Jay-Z respectfully makes the cut. But, watch out for his wife Beyonce, who may soon eclipse him. Their household income is already estimated at over $1 billion. 

Bono - $600 Million Net Worth

This Irish singer whose real name is Paul David Hewson (no wonder he goes by Bono) who is famous for his trademark glasses and outspoken activist views. You either love or hate this guy, but if you are a regular on the show South Park, you are probably doing something right. While many argue his band U2’s music has declined since the 80s or 90s, they still managed to gross over $730 million in their 360° Tour in 2010.

Céline Dion - $630 Million Net Worth

I guess when you are the youngest of 14 children, you have to work hard to stand out. This was no problem for Celine Dion as she won numerous awards and contests on her way to fame. She became a pop culture icon in America after the release of Titanic and she never looked back.

P Diddy - $700 Million Net Worth

It’s hard to believe Sean John Combs, also known as, Puff Daddy, Diddy, Sean John, P. Daddy, P. Daddy, Puff D. PD, Puffen’s Daddy, Puffy is a college dropout. After attending Howard University for several years as a Business Major, he left to pursue the entertainment industry where he was immediately successful. But, P. Diddy is more than just a musician. He is a businessman, producer, actor and family man. 

Dr. Dre - $780 Million Net Worth

The current #1 rap mogul in existence. Dr. Dre might be a legendary rapper (even if some of his lyrics are ghostwritten), but those skills are actually eclipsed by his business expertise. In 2014, his branded headphones, Beats, were acquired by Apple for a reported $3 Billion and he finally cemented his place as the “Richest Man in Hip-Hop.”

Madonna - $800 Million Net Worth

It’s hard to believe Madonna is creeping up on 60, but she’s still got it. Madonna was the girl in the 80’s and kept pumping out hits for another 20+ years afterwards. She won a Golden Globe for best actress for her acting in Evita. Her role as the top touring female artist of all time combined with her impressive album sales prove why she deserves the title as richest female musician on our list.

Herb Alpert - $850 Million Net Worth

If you were born before 1970 you may have never heard of Herb Alpert, but this guy has some serious achievements under his belt. On his way to the top he won 9 Grammys, had 5 #1 albums, released 28 charted albums, started a record label and sold over 70 million albums. His singing and trumpet skills cement him as one of the most successful musicians of all time.

Paul McCartney - $1.2 Billion Net 

Worth

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for over 50 years, this one should come as no surprise. As one of the front men of the Beatles, Paul McCartney helped drive his band to be the most successful rock band to ever grace this world. With sales of over 600 million records worldwide, The Beatles are still the best selling band in the history of music. As a writer, his song Yesterday has been covered over 2,000 times making it the most covered song of all time.

Andrew Lloyd Webber - $1.2 Billion Net

 Worth

While many others on this list have wealth outside of music, no other musician has merged music and business so seamlessly to climb the charts. There is no doubt that is he the master of Musical Theatre. He has composed 13 musicals, which include The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Sunset Boulevard. He set up his company Really Useful Group, to make sure he maximizes his profit so he could get money from all aspects of his productions including licensing, merchandising, records, publishing and ticket sales. This genius move makes him the richest man in music.