After their death, some big celebrities continue to bring in large sums of money for their heirs, thanks in particular to the rights to their music or books.
Astronomical sums. Celebrities who have been dead for more than 40 years continue to earn money from their work, several million euros every year for some. Income which comes in particular from the rights to music or books produced during their artistic career. Let’s take a look at the eight deceased celebrities who brought in the most money in 2023, according to a study by Statista.
JOHN LENNON : 20,5 millions d’euros
John Lennon, who died in 1980 at the age of 40 after being assassinated in New York, earned more than 20.5 million euros in 2023, thanks in particular to the rights to his music such as “Imagine” and “Woman”.
Whitney houston : 27,9 millions d’euros
Died in 2012 at the age of 48 from a drug overdose, Whitney Houston earned more than 27.9 million euros in 2023 thanks in particular to the rights to her music such as “I Will Always Love You”, or even “I Have Nothing.” As of December 2023, the film Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody has grossed nearly $60 million worldwide.
Prince : 27,9 millions d’euros
Prince, who died in 2016 at the age of 57 from an opiate overdose, earned more than 27.9 million euros in 2023, thanks in particular to the rights to his music such as “Purple Rain” and “Kiss”.
Charles m. Schulz : 27,9 millions d’euros
Charles M. Schulz, who died in 2000 at the age of 77 from cancer, earned more than 27.9 million euros in 2023, thanks in particular to sales of his “Peanuts” comic strips, which he created.
DR SEUSS : 37,3 millions d’euros
Died in 1991 at the age of 87 from cancer, Dr Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, earned more than 37.3 million euros in 2023, notably thanks to the rights to his children’s books such as ” The Hatted Cat”, or even “The Grumpy Who Wanted to Ruin Christmas”.
RAY MANZAREK : 41.9 million d’euros
Died in 2013 at the age of 74 from bile duct cancer, Ray Manzarek, the former keyboardist of the rock group Doors, earned more than 41.9 million euros in 2023, notably thanks to the sale of comprehensive rights to the Doors’ music publishing catalog and master recordings at Primary Wave.
Elvis presley : 93,2 millions d’euros
Elvis Presley, who died in 1977 at the age of 42 from a heart attack, earned more than €93.2 million in 2023, thanks in particular to the rights to his music such as “Jailhouse Rock”. The “King of Rock’s” house in Memphis welcomed more than 600,000 visitors in 2023, generating a lot of revenue from merchandising.
Michael jackson : 107,2 millions d’euros
Died in 2009 at the age of 50 following a cardiac arrest, Michael Jackson earned more than 107.2 million euros in 2023, thanks in particular to the success of “Broadway MJ: The Musical” which brought in around 85 million euros last year. Jackson also rakes in millions from the Cirque du Soleil show, Michael Jackson ONE, in Las Vegas.
This money, earned from the names and achievements of these celebrities, is then paid to their respective heirs.
