Michael Jackson Reigns Supreme: The King of Pop Tops Forbes' List of Highest-Earning Deceased Celebrities in 2025
Michael Jackson retains his title as the King of Pop even in death, leading the 2025 Forbes ranking of the highest-earning deceased celebrities with $105 million in pre-tax earnings. The list featured musicians like The Notorious B.I.G and Miles Davis, who made their debut on the list due to significant catalog sales. Jackson's financial success posthumously is unmatched, with his estate amassing an impressive $3.5 billion since his passing in 2009 from acute propofol intoxication. His estate's revenue is bolstered by a landmark deal with Sony for a 50% stake in his master recordings and publishing rights, as well as ongoing revenue streams from projects like the Broadway show "MJ: The Musical" and the Cirque du Soleil residency in Las Vegas.
The list of highest-earning deceased celebrities from October 2023 to October 2024 showcased new entries driven by a thriving market for music catalogs. Dr. Seuss claimed the second spot with earnings of around $85 million, fueled by strong book sales and expanding licensing deals with Netflix. Pink Floyd co-founders Richard Wright and Syd Barrett jointly earned $81 million each after Sony acquired the band's catalog for $400 million. The Notorious B.I.G secured the fifth spot with $80 million, while jazz legends Miles Davis earned the sixth spot with $21 million following significant rights sales to Primary Wave Music and Reservoir Media, respectively. The list also featured perennial earners like Elvis Presley and Jimmy Buffet, whose estates continue to thrive with earnings of $17 million and $14 million, respectively.
In conclusion, Michael Jackson's enduring financial success posthumously solidifies his status as a music icon, with his estate's revenue streams from various projects and deals ensuring his continued dominance in the realm of deceased celebrities' earnings. The annual Forbes ranking highlights the ongoing impact and legacy of these iconic figures, whose estates continue to generate substantial income through music catalogs, licensing deals, and other ventures.