Even after their passing, iconic figures from music to literature continue to generate enormous wealth, with their legacies thriving.
In 2024, late music stars like Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Whitney Houston lead the pack of highest-earning deceased celebrities, with their estates reaping millions through brand deals and catalog sales.
This year, Michael Jackson’s estate topped the list with a staggering $600 million, driven primarily by a major catalog sale to Sony.
Meanwhile, Freddie Mercury’s estate benefited from a $1 billion boost after the sale of Queen’s music catalog, showcasing the enduring appeal of legendary artists.
Estate deals and catalog sales have become vital revenue sources for late stars, keeping their brands both profitable and relevant.
According to Forbes’ latest report, “This year’s Dead Celebrity ranking includes pretax earnings from sales, streams, licensing deals, and other revenue between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, as well as estate acquisitions, announced or completed within that period.”
Forbes based its findings on data from Luminate and insights from industry experts.
Below is a list of 2024’s highest-earning deceased celebrities, each leaving a lasting impact and reaping substantial income:
– Michael Jackson – $600m
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop’s estate thrives with global earnings from his Broadway musical and tours, with new productions slated for Hamburg in 2025.
– Freddie Mercury– $250m
Freddie Mercury
The Queen frontman reclaims a top spot, with his estate reaping profits from Queen’s record-breaking catalog sale, cementing hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
– Dr. Seuss – $75m
Dr. Seuss
The timeless tales of Theodor Seuss Geisel, including The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch, endure through themed merchandise and collectibles.
– Elvis Presley – $50m
Elvis Presley
Graceland remains a top tourist destination, while revenue flows from streaming and licensing, despite an attempted fraud incident earlier this year.
– Ric Ocasek – $45m
Ric Ocasek
The Cars’ lead singer saw a boost from a publishing deal with Primary Wave, expanding the reach of the band’s legacy.
– Prince – $35m
Prince
Prince’s catalog and Paisley Park estate keep his legacy vibrant, though a legal dispute may delay a Netflix documentary in his honor.
– Bob Marley – $34m
Bob Marley
Marley’s legacy flourishes with a recent biopic and a cannabis brand partnership reflecting his cultural influence.
– Charles M. Schulz – $30m
Charles M. Schulz
Peanuts creator Schulz enjoys renewed popularity on social media, with Snoopy captivating a new generation.
– Matthew Perry – $18m
Matthew Perry
Known for Friends, Perry’s legacy lives on through royalties and his memoir, as fans remember his candid discussions on addiction.
– John Lennon – $17m
John Lennon
Lennon’s estate thrives from The Beatles’ timeless appeal, bolstered by the AI-restored track “Now And Then,” completing a 1978 demo.
– James Brown – $15m
James Brown
Plans to turn Brown’s mansion into a tourist attraction promise fresh revenue, alongside his enduring music catalog.
– Arnold Palmer – $14m
Arnold Palmer
The legendary golfer’s namesake drink, made by AriZona Beverages, continues to be a staple, with spiked versions adding to sales.
– Whitney Houston – $13m
Whitney Houston
Houston’s image shines in Las Vegas with themed slot machines, offering fans unique ways to engage with her memory.
For fans, these icons live on, their influence growing as estates release new content and strike lucrative deals.
