The music and literary world has seen some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry pass away, yet their legacies continue to thrive, generating enormous wealth. In 2024, the likes of Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Whitney Houston top the list of highest-earning deceased celebrities, thanks to the success of brand deals and catalog sales.
Michael Jackson’s estate, led the pack with a staggering $600 million, driven primarily by a major catalog sale to Sony. Meanwhile, Freddie Mercury’s estate saw a $1 billion boost following the sale of Queen’s music catalog, which solidified the band’s enduring appeal.
The sale of music catalogs has become a vital source of revenue for late stars, maintaining their brand’s profitability and relevance. Estate deals and licensing agreements have become crucial in keeping the legacy of these iconic figures alive.
According to the latest report from Forbes, the top-earning deceased celebrities for 2024 are as follows:
* Michael Jackson – $600 million
* Freddie Mercury – $250 million
* Dr. Seuss – $75 million
* Elvis Presley – $50 million
* Ric Ocasek – $45 million
* Prince – $35 million
* Bob Marley – $34 million
* Charles M. Schulz – $30 million
* Matthew Perry – $18 million
* John Lennon – $17 million
* James Brown – $15 million
* Arnold Palmer – $14 million
* Whitney Houston – $13 million
Each of these figures left an indelible mark on the music and literary world, and their estates continue to reap rewards through various revenue streams.
