Kobe Bryant, Elvis Presley, and David Bowie are among 13 deceased superstars who continue to earn substantial sums of money.
According to Forbes’ list of the highest-paid deceased celebrities in 2022, the deceased earned a record-breaking $1.6 billion, a 72% rise from 2021.
Forbes reports that this year’s ranking incorporates pretax earnings from sales, streams, licensing partnerships, and other sources between November 1, 2021 and October 30, 2022, as well as any purchases made or announced within the same time frame.
JRR Tolkien, author of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” occupies the top spot on the list.
The author, who passed away in 1973, earned an amazing $500 million this year from the sale of Middle-Earth Enterprises to Swedish gaming developer Embracer. Middle-Earth Enterprises manages intellectual property rights for film pictures, video games, merchandise, and more.
JRR Tolkien. Picture: Instagram
Second on the list is basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who earned $400 million through the sale of his estate’s part in the BodyArmor sports drink company to Coca-Cola.
The transfer of David Bowie’s publishing portfolio and masters to Warner Chappell earned him the third-place spot with $250 million.
Elvis Presley made an amazing $110 million this year despite having been deceased for 45 years.
After being locked up during the Covid-19 outbreak, the majority of his income came from tourists who decided to have a vacation at his Graceland estate and resort. According to Forbes, tour tickets, performances, and souvenirs generated a minimum of $80 million.
A New York-based independent music publisher purchased the Godfather of Soul’s music rights, property, and name and likeness for $100 million.
Forbes claimed that a portion of the revenues would be used to sponsor academic scholarships for disadvantaged students.
Michael Jackson earned $75 million, while Leonard Cohen earned $55 million.
Dr. Seuss earned $32 million through book sales, collaborations with Netflix, and merchandise.
At No. 9 is Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro, who earned $25 million when music business Primary Wave purchased his publishing and recording rights.
Charles Schulz, an American cartoonist, earned the tenth spot with $24 million. Apple TV acquired his favorite holiday episodes, including “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
At number eleven is the flamboyant Mexican singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel. He earned $23 million. According to Forbes, Gabriel’s heirs reached an agreement with Universal Music Group in April, whereby the firm would transfer the singer’s post-2008 repertoire to label subsidiary Virgin Music US Latin, while Universal’s publishing arm would handle the whole archive.
John Lennon, the singer of “Imagine,” came in at number 12 with $16 million, while George Harrison, a member of the Beetles, grabbed the final slot with $12 million.
Lennon and Harrison each got approximately $2.5 million from the “Get Back” documentary series, which chronicles the controversial last recording sessions of the British Beatles.