Not Elvis but Michael Jackson was named this year's top-earning dead celebrity on Tuesday in a list compiled by financial website Forbes.com, earning the title for the second year in a row following his death in 2009.
"Thriller" singer Jackson, who died aged 50 of a drug overdose, is estimated to have earned $170 million in the past year, which also places him as the second highest-earning pop music act this year, dead or alive, Forbes.com said.
Jackson is followed closely by the King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley placed second on the list with earnings of $55 million. Like Jackson, Presley's estate has also benefited from Cirque du Soleil, who produced "Viva Elvis" in tribute to the late singer.
Hollywood's golden age pin-up girl, Marilyn Monroe, who died at age 36 in 1962, earned near $27 million, placing her third on the list.
Sultry screen icon Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away in March 2011 aged 79, was placed fifth after reportedly earning $12 million, with a large portion coming from the sales of her popular fragrance, "White Diamonds."
Between October 2010 and October 2011, the top 5 earners are:
No. 01 Michael Jackson - $170 million - Died: June 25, 2009 - Age: 50 - Cause: Overdose
Forbes Adds: Michael Jackson may be the King of postmortem earnings, but Elvis will always be the original King of Pop and King of Rock and Roll.
No. 02 Elvis Presley - $55 million - Died: Aug. 16, 1977 - Age: 42 - Cause: Heart attack
No. 03 Marilyn Monroe - $27 million - Died: Aug. 5, 1962 - Age: 36 - Cause: Overdose
No. 04 Charles Schulz - $25 million - Died: Feb. 12, 2000 - Age: 77 - Cause: Colon Cancer
No. 05 John Lennon (tie) - $12 million - Died: Dec. 8, 1980 - Age: 40 - Cause: Murder
No. 05 Elizabeth Taylor (tie) - $12 mill - Died: March 23, 2011 - Age: 79 - Cause: Heart Failure
An outstanding result for an artist who has left the building more than three decades ago!
One must also remember that Jackson has dropped 105 million dollars from last year's total.
Well the question still remains: Will MJ be making millions, 34 years after his death ? I don't think so ! I agree with Forbes. "Forbes Adds: Michael Jackson may be the King of postmortem earnings, but Elvis will always be the original King of Pop and King of Rock and Roll."... Right on.
I just can't understand the fuss about MJ.I don't think he was very good.He was a good dancer and that's about it.I love all types of music and if someone is good I'll say their good.I hope Elvis reclaims the top spot soon.Kelly Hansen from Foreigner is like the modern day Elvis.What a performer and what a voice.
Michael Jackson, wasn't very good ? You must be kidding? MJ, was extremely talented, as was our beloved Elvis. Both of these superstars, "rocked" the planet, and, sadly, the world, is less fun without them. Thankfully their legacy and our memories of them, will be with us, for many years to come.
Who gives a flying fridge about any of this? Just because one dead celebrity makes more money than another...it's not important. It means nothing. Chill out.
Who's not chilled? Its a fun list, and FORBES is an interesting read.
from what i remember bambi was not even number one in that list last year right after he passed away of overdose.as freedom101 mentioned this list was only created some 10 years ago & ELVIS topped it several times while it's a first for the current number one. had this list been launched soon after ELVIS untimely death ; HIS number of years at number one would have been even more unreachable than it is now. what I see is bambi declining in earnings from last year & ELVIS as a steady earner 34 + years after HE left us. where will bambi be in that list in 30 + years ?
OMG - I cant believe what I read here. Heed what Harvey said.
Bambi, as a reference to Michael Jackson? Thats a new one, jean michel ! Seriously, why knock Michael Jackson? He gave the world, great dance music, and beautiful songs, and brought joy, to millions, and gave endllessly to charities. (as did Elvis). Personally, I'm Thankful, we have the music, videos, and films of our beloved entertainers, to enjoy forever. The "Forbes list" isn't meant to be taken, so seriously. It's just a fun annual list.
Bet you next year MJ leaps over Elvis as the artist who has been dead the longest. These 'statistical death wars' are just plain stupid, who gives a fig anyway. We don't see the money, it's not 'earned' for our benefit. Bet elvis ate more fried peanut butter sandwiches than MJ.
as i write this, 6 comments about Jailhouse Rock being named in 100 top songs list and double the comments for this thread. Amazes me sometimes, who really cares who earns the most money after they have died?
Not that it matters all that much, but I think Elvis and Michael will be in the running for the top spot, for a few years. Both have "stage shows" based on their Music, and the Record companies will continue to release new CD collections.
Obviously this list reflects in a way (and one way only) how these personalities are still in the hearts and minds of people now-a-days. We might not like or appreciate a person, but these are some facts. I agree that the money is not important as only the families or business companies benefit from it. However we have seen newbies come and go, while those who left us many years ago are still high on this list.
Five years from now (2016) Elvis will be on taop again and Wako Jacko will have been forgotten...his CDs will be available at give-away promotional prices ($0.99 or Euro 1.00) at every cashier at Wal-Mart or Home Depot or at Booths or at FNAC or at Albert Heijn.WJacko will be in spot nr. 56 by 2017 whereas the one and only King will still be making $50+ million
a-year (especially in Europe & Asia). Hope EPE Inc. will bring in some more talented marketing wizzards who 'know what Elvis fans want' in the years to come !!
Some here think this type of information is not important. I strongly disagree, it's just as important as record sales. The reason these things are important is that, I personally know people who don't think Elvis was all that great. It gives me great satisfaction, in that, it it can prove, possibly, that they, the doubters, are very wrong.
I have no doubt, that, the "King of Rock-n-Roll", Elvis Presley, will return to the top of the List. But for now, I have no problem with Michael Jackson, having the top spot. And I think that, M.J. will stay in the top 5 for a long time, because of his music, talent and his influence on others. Like Elvis, Michael, will be re-discovered, and appreciated, in future generations, and still hang onto the fans, that grew up with him. Regardless, if you, like Michael, or not, as an entertainer, songwriter, singer, etc. Michael Jackson, was one of the absolute best, and he deserves to be respected for his body of work and his charity work, etc. Elvis and Michael, you are missed tremendiously.
No problems with having MJ on the top spot for now, and yes, I'm an enormous Elvis fan having over 300 cd's and knowing almost by day where Elvis was performing or what he was recording from the top of my head. The fact is that I was young in the 80s and remember what a tremendous impact MJ had on music and youth at the time. He was an amazing performer and songwriter with an unique style that will be remembered for many generations to come, just like Elvis. MJ is the second best sellling music artist in history and the ultimate popular music hero of many. Nevertheless, it is true that not anyone can beat Elvis over the longer run and MJ will continue to decline and probably stabilize around the level of Marilyn Monroe. Don't be mistaken, this may take another five years or so.
And for those who think MJ is only Thriller and Bad, please listen to songs like: Little Susie, Will you be there (long version), and the Earth song. Agreed, not as great as Elvis but very good nevertheless and we shouldn't disrespect other great performers as Elvis would never do that either.