June 26, 2009 — Three of the Top 12 money-makers in music last year came out of country music, according to a new Forbes study, and Kenny Chesney — who ranks fifth among all musicians — is tops in the genre.
Kenny grossed $65 million since June 2008, according to the financial publication’s estimates, thanks in large part to more than 1 million annual sales of concert tickets and to several endorsement deals. Currently on his Sun City Carnival Tour, Kenny’s tally is impressive, though it lags far behind top-seeded Madonna, who brought in $110 million. Celine Dion, who ranked No. 2, pulled in $100 million, making her the only other artist to reach the nine-figure plateau.
Kenny placed just behind Bruce Springsteen, who generated $70 million; and just ahead of Rascal Flatts, who tied with Coldplay and AC/DC for No. 6 at $60 million. Toby Keith ranked No. 10, and the dozen acts on the chart also feature several other artists with some degree of country connectivity: country-rock band the Eagles are No. 9; Bon Jovi, which topped the country charts by collaborating with Jennifer Nettles, is No. 11; and Dave Matthews, who sits with Willie Nelson on the board at Farm Aid, brings his band in at No. 12.
The details on Forbes’ country money-makers:
• Kenny Chesney, No. 5, $65 million
• Rascal Flatts, No. 6 (tied), $60 million
• Toby Keith, No. 10, $52 million
RSS Feeds