MJ is Forbes highest-paid dead celebrity for fifth consecutive year
Such is the magic of Michael Jackson that despite being dead for over eight years now, he has been named Forbes highest-earning dead celebrity for the fifth time in a row. Thanks to his new album Scream getting picked up by a list of international shows and a stake in the EMI music publishing catalogue, the MJ empire made $75 million this year.
Elvis Presley, Bob Marley also in top 5
The list, which was released on Monday, has three musicians in the top five. With $35 million, Elvis Presley is at number four. The credit goes to a new hotel The Guesthouse at Graceland and the Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex. Bob Marley stands fifth ($23 million), with his earnings largely supplemented by House of Marley audio products and the Marley Beverage Co.
Only two women feature on the list
Only two women feature on the list, which has famed golfer Arnold Palmer at number 2 ($40 million), and cartoonist Charles Schulz at number 3 ($38 million). With $8 million earnings, thanks to her top-selling fragrances, actor Elizabeth Taylor has the 12th spot. She is followed by Betty Page ($7.5 million) whose pinup's iconic style continues to live on in clothing, lingerie and handbags.
Musicians who died recently also make it to the list
Some musicians have passed away only recently, just about making it to this spooky list. With his $20 million earnings, Tom Petty, who died on October 3, is number 6 on the list. Prince stands seventh with $18 million. David Bowie is at number 11 with $9.5 million. The recent deaths of these singers have significantly boosted the sales and consumption of their music.
Forbes has taken into account celebs' pretax annual income
Forbes 2017 list of the 13 most-paid among the famous-dead calculates pretax income from October 15, 2016 to October 15, 2017 before deducting cuts for service providers like agents and lawyers. Forbes cites Nielsen SoundScan, IMDB, Pollstar Pro and celebrity estate experts as sources.
