1. World's highest-paid musicians
World-famous musicians, songwriters and recording artists are among the highest-
paid celebrities in the world. With eight to nine-figure annual salaries, the artists
featured below top the charts in money as well as music.
U2
With humble beginnings that grew into superstardom, The Dublin-based rock band
U2 brings in $108 million a year, averaging roughly $2 million a concert. Needless
to say, their philanthropic efforts have gained attention.
Bon Jovi
The boys of Bon Jovi: Jon, Richie, David, and Tico, lead the frontier in hard rock
music sales with an incredible $201 million dollars annually.
Elton John
Hailed by his fans as an icon and an enterprise, Elton John earned $100 million in
2010, averaging $2 million dollars a week. “Candle in the Wind" still stands as the
best selling single ever.
Lady Gaga
One of the most prolific, well-paid female singers of all time, Stefani Germanotta
got her break when she signed with Akon’s label. At 25, she makes $90 million a
year, known to her immense fan base as Lady Gaga.
Michael Buble
Two-time Grammy winner Michael Buble summons the sounds of past greats like
Sinatra to bring in his annual salary of $104 million, respectfully re-mastering such
hits as “I Get a Kick out of You” and “Call Me Irresponsible.”
Paul McCartney
Revered by many as the greatest songwriter of all time, Sir Paul McCartney
established his presence with a promising start with the Beatles in the 60s. He has
since coasted to his $67 million salary with a number of famous partnerships and

2. solo work.
The Black Eyed Peas
Possibly the most musically dynamic hip hop group of the new millennium, the
Black Eyed Peas employ a high-energy presence with lyrical genius to bring in $61
million a year.
The Eagles
LA rock band the Eagles produced five number one singles such as “Hotel
California” and six number one albums to become one of the most commercially
successful groups from the 70s to early 2000s, averaging $1 million a concert.
Justin Bieber
Canadian-born pop singer Justin Bieber makes $53 million a year, wooing scores
of young girls all over the world with singles “Baby” and “One Time” among
others.
Dave Matthews Band
Incorporating a number of sounds offered by their diverse lineup to create their
own brand of rock, the Dave Matthews Band earns $77.6 million a year. They were
the second band to ever put out five number one albums in a row.
Toby Keith
According to Forbes Magazine, Country singer and songwriter Toby Keith is one
of the highest paid musicians in the world, bringing in more than $50 million in
2010.
Usher
R&B superstar Usher makes over $160,000 a day, averaging just under $60 million
a year as he turns out hit after hit like “Burn” and “Love in This Club.”
Taylor Swift
In 2009, country singer Taylor Swift made just over $17 million. The next year,

3. she earned $45 million with her "Speak Now" album.
Katy Perry
After her second single, “I Kissed a Girl” in 2008, Katy Perry’s income
skyrocketed to 62,500 dollars a day on average or about $15 million a year.
Brad Paisley
Finally, with an estimated net worth of $65 million from his seven successful
albums, prolific country singer and songwriter Brad Paisley earned $40 million in
2010.