Today we’ll reveal the richest musicians in America. Not all musicians make it big. But when they do, you can expect them to earn millions through live performances, record sales, and song royalties.
Of course, the richest musicians in the USA didn’t earn their wealth overnight, and several have made wise investments to boost their net worth. Check out our list if you're curious to learn who is the wealthiest of them all.
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Don Henley – Net Worth: $250 Million
First up on our list of the richest musicians in America is Don Henley. As one of the founding members of the legendary rock band Eagles, it’s little surprise the majority of his wealth comes from music. The Eagles sold over 150 million albums worldwide, but Henley’s earnings don’t stop there.
His solo hits, like “The Boys of Summer” and “All She Wants to Do Is Dance,” also sold millions of copies. He also profits from his online store, which sells T-shirts, tote bags, and vinyl books.
Besides spending his earnings on real estate and expensive cars, Henley uses his earnings to support music education and environmental activism. For instance, he founded the Walden Woods Project and donated millions from benefit concerts to cover costs.
George Strait – Net Worth: $313 Million
George Strait is the king of American country, with many of his songs topping the charts. His best-selling album, Pure Country, sold over six million copies after its release in 1992.
Album sales aren’t his only source of income. He also generates wealth through music streaming via YouTube and Spotify, touring, and country-themed merchandise sales. Outside of music, he runs a successful tequila brand, Codigo 1530, and has investments in real estate. That portfolio includes an estate in San Antonio and a ranch in Boerne.
Lady Gaga – Net Worth: $320 Million
Lady Gaga burst onto the music scene with her six-time platinum album, The Fame, a debut that featured hits like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face.” Besides album sales, most of her music-based wealth stems from her tours, usually earning $1 million per show, and streaming royalties through Spotify and Apple Music.
She's also earned big from brand endorsem*nts, including Versace and Tiffany & Co, while her cosmetics line, Haus Labs, has an active partnership with beauty giant Sephora. As well, the “Born This Way” superstar has acted in several films, notably, A Star Is Born and House of Gucci.
Dave Grohl – Net Worth: $330 Million
Best known as the founder, guitarist, and frontman of the rock band Foo Fighters and drummer for Nirvana, Dave Grohl deservedly earned his spot on our list.
He makes about $1 million a night during each stop on his concert tours. Grohl earns extra through his self-founded record label, Roswell Records, and produces albums for other music artists.
Grohl invests a sizable portion of his earnings into real estate, including property in Encino, California. He also donates to several charities dedicated to music education, cancer research, and disaster relief.
Katy Perry – Net Worth: $330 Million
Since her musical breakthrough in 2008, Katy Perry has firmly established herself as one of the biggest names in pop. She’s already sold over 100 million records and has three multi-platinum albums. Perry makes significant earnings from live performances, with her California Dreams Tour earning the Queen of Camp about $60 million alone.
While Perry's music represents the bulk of her wealth, her bank balanced has benefitted from several endorsem*nts, including H&M and Proactiv. Perry also has footwear and fragrance lines, and, of course, a real estate portfolio that includes her $19 million Beverly Hills mansion.
She has supported several charities and organizations throughout her career, such as donating to UNICEF and the Children's Health Fund.
Mariah Carey – Net Worth: $340 Million
Since 1990, Mariah Carey has released several chart-topping songs and sold over 200 million records, which helped her profit from her music career. Her iconic song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has earned her $60 million in royalties since it first hit the airwaves.
Over the years, Carey has enjoyed lucrative endorsem*nts with brands like Pepsi, Motorola, and Elizabeth Arden. She makes extra through branded merchandise sold through her online store and other big-name retailers, from T-shirts to fragrances. Her television and movie appearances also contribute to her wealth.
Cher – Net Worth: $360 Million
Cher is another one of the richest musicians in America. Since her debut in 1965, the musical powerhouse has sold over 12 million albums as a solo artist and during her Sonny and Cher days. She makes over $1 million per night during her concert tours.
While the icon makes a significant fraction of her earnings through her merchandise sales, no description of Cher’s wealth would be complete without mention of her acting career. Her roles are as varied as her music, with cult films like Burlesque and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again enjoying success at the box office.
Toby Keith – Net Worth: $372 Million
Toby Keith began his music career in 1993 with his self-titled debut album through a $20,000 contract with Mercury Records. Since then, he's become one of the wealthiest country musicians in the US, selling over 40 million records worldwide and making up to $1 million per show during his tours.
Although Keith's music sales and streaming traffic via YouTube and Spotify contribute to his wealth, he's also had successful business ventures and endorsem*nts with companies like Ford. In 2005, he founded the restaurant chain I Love This Bar & Grill, which has expanded to other parts of the US. Then, in 2009, he launched his country-inspired clothing line, TK Steelman.
Gene Simmons – Net Worth: $400 Million
Like many wealthy musicians in the USA, Gene Simmons, the outlandish bassist of KISS, earned a vast sum from his career. His albums have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and he has organized lucrative tours across the world.
Simmons also profits from officially-licensed KISS merchandise, ranging from clothing and comic books to games. Other entrepreneurial ventures have helped build his net worth, including property, chain restaurant Rock & Brews, and his record label Simmons Records.
Johnny Mathis – Net Worth: $400 Million
Another one of the richest musicians in America, Mathis has spent decades building his star power. As the voice of Christmas, Mathis has a loyal fanbase, with several of his albums going gold and multi-platinum.
Besides music sales and tours, Mathis has an extensive real estate investment portfolio, including his Hollywood Hills estate that he purchased in 1959. Mathis, long a familiar face on TV, also profits from appearances and merchandise.
Garth Brooks – Net Worth: $400 Million
Grammy-winning country star Garth Brooks has built his fortune on several critically-acclaimed albums, starting with his 1989 self-titled debut. Throughout his career, Brooks has consistently stayed relevant as a musician, which has helped him sell over 170 million records.
Concert tours are another arrow in the quiver for Brooks, as he typically earns at least $1 million per performance. Other sources of Brooks' wealth include merchandise sales from his concerts and through his online store. In addition, Brooks has been involved in several business ventures, as varied as music production and sports. And, of course, there are property investments in Malibu and Nashville.
Jennifer Lopez – Net Worth: $400 Million
Jennifer Lopez's debut album, On the 6, sold around three million copies in the United States, certifying it as triple-platinum. Since then, she's sold over 80 million records worldwide and makes about $2 million per concert. She also built her wealth through her acting career and brand endorsem*nts, like L'Oreal and Versace.
Like many multi-million music artists, Lopez is no stranger to spending her money on tangible luxuries. Her real estate portfolio alone includes a mansion in Miami and property in Encino. Still, Lopez donates a portion of her earnings to charities for disaster relief and disease research and set up The Lopez Family Foundation.
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