You won’t find any one-hit wonders on this list. Billboard just released its 2014 Money Makers list of the artists who made the most in the past year. The list is a compilation of stars from country, hip-hop and of course, rock ’n’ roll. (Reuters)
No. 1: Taylor Swift
Earned: $39M
Country’s reigning princess may have turned a bit more pop with her last album “Red”, but her fan base stayed true to her. Billboard maintains Swift “crushed it on pretty much every level” with physical and digital album sales, tours and more. For the Red Tour alone, she brought home $30 million. (Reuters)
No. 2: Kenny Chesney
Earned: $32M
Chesney joins his fellow country star Swift in the No.2 spot on this year’s list. Billboard says Chesney is second only to Garth Brooks in regard to country stars having the most No. 1 songs on the Billboard 200 charts. Chesney released his seventh No. 1 album in 2013 called “Life on a Rock.” He has also topped one million in attendance for 10 consecutive tours, although he is taking a break from his lucrative touring business this year, the magazine reports. (Reuters)
No. 3: Justin Timberlake
Earned $31M
Absence made the heart grow fonder for Timberlake’s dedicated fans, who came out in droves to support him after a seven-year “vacation” from the music business. He released his album the “20/20 Experience” in 2013 and toured around the country with pal Jay-Z, as well as solo. Billboard reports Timberlake made more than $5 million in royalties from his albums, tracks and online streaming. (Reuters)
No. 4: Bon Jovi
Earned $29M
Billboard reports the rocker’s “Because We Can” tour was the best-selling concert series of 2013, making it the third time in six years his band came out in the top spot for tours. Bon Jovi’s fifth album “What About Now” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Charts. (Reuters)
No. 5: The Rolling Stones
Earned: $26M
This group of rock royalty celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 and commemorated it with a North American tour that sold out every show, Billboard reports. With a $4.7 million gross from the tour of 15 shows, and a new greatest-hits package, “Grrr!” The Stones round out the top five biggest earners on this year’s list. (Reuters)