Michael Jackson has led Forbes annual list of highest-earning dead celebrities for nearly a decade. The most recent year’s income, ending October 1st, was about $400 million. The second highest earning dead celebrity took in $40 million.
Michael Jackson’s estate sold its ownership of EMI Music Publishing to Sony for $287 million.
Elvis Presley moved up to the #2 spot. Much of the Presley’s income came from his entertainment complex. Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
Third on the list is the late golfer Arnold Palmer who took in $35 million. His estate introduced Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half.
Here’s the top 10.
10. John Lennon – $12 million
9. Prince – $13 million
8. Marilyn Monroe – $14 million
7. Hugh Hefner – $15 million
6. Dr. Seuss – $16 million
5. Bob Marley – $23 million
4. Charles Schulz – $34 million
3. Arnold Palmer – $35 million
2. Elvis Presley – $40 million
1. Michael Jackson – $400 million