The Afterlife of Wealth: 2025’s Top-Earning Legends
On the 25th anniversary of Forbes’ landmark ranking of the world’s highest-earning deceased celebrities, a fresh lineup of musical icons dominates the throne. The Notorious B.I.G., Miles Davis, and Jimmy Buffett—each a beloved figure who transcended mortality through enduring catalogs, licensing deals, and posthumous tours—join a heavenly roster that proves a great artist’s legacy can keep multiplying long after their final encore.
Meet the 2025 Leaders
At the top of the list in 2025 sits Michael Jackson, whose estate continues to monetize hits, never-before-released material, and a global brand that remains a magnet for new generations. Reported figures suggest the late King of Pop pulled in billions this year, with a blend of music rights, licensing, film projects, and immersive experiences powering the windfall. Close behind, classic giants like The Notorious B.I.G., Miles Davis, and Jimmy Buffett illustrate how a legacy can sustain itself through catalog sales, partnerships, and evergreen fan devotion.
Michael Jackson: The $3.5 Billion Benchmark
News outlets and industry trackers have highlighted Jackson’s extraordinary posthumous earnings, pegged around $3.5 billion for the period. The strategy combines catalog exploitation, new streaming-friendly releases, theatrical ventures, and global merchandising. The ability to continually reintroduce Jackson’s music to new markets keeps revenue streams hot and diverse, even decades after his passing.
The Notorious B.I.G.: A Perennial Powerhouse
The Notorious B.I.G. remains a cornerstone of rap history, with his estate benefiting from continued licensing, soundtrack placements, and collaborations that bring his work to younger listeners. Royalty streams from his catalog, coupled with brand partnerships tied to anniversaries and commemorations, keep his name in the conversation and the cash flow steady.
Miles Davis: A Timeless Jazz Engine
Jazz icon Miles Davis continues to draw new fans through remastered releases, curated playlists, and licensing deals for film and television. Davis’s influence spans generations, and each reissue or reissue-driven project adds to the ongoing earnings stream held by his estate. This enduring appeal demonstrates how jazz immortality translates into lasting revenue.
Jimmy Buffett: The Coral Reefer Revenue Machine
Buffett’s laid-back anthems still resonate in venues, streaming catalogs, and branded experiences. When a branded lifestyle is built around a musician’s persona, the estate can monetize through licensing, residencies in themed venues, and exclusive content drops. Buffett’s afterlife, in this sense, remains deeply tied to fan culture and community experiences.
How the Money Is Made: Core Revenue Streams
The top earners typically generate income from a mix of catalog royalties, licensing for film and TV, new releases (or reissues), live experiences, and strategic brand partnerships. In 2025, the most successful estates leverage streaming data, immersive experiences, and cross-media projects to maximize revenue while expanding their cultural footprint. A well-managed catalog paired with timely releases often yields the most stable long-term earnings.
Why This Matters: The Business of Eternal Fame
The “Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities” list isn’t just about dollars. It highlights building a lasting brand that persists beyond lifetime, adapting to changing media landscapes. For heirs, managers, and fans, the story is a reminder that music, film, and cultural impact can continue to generate value for decades—if the right strategy and stewardship are in place.
Methodology and transparency
Estimates in 2025 reflect catalog valuations, licensing income, and reported payouts from major estates. Figures are combined from public filings, industry trackers, and credible media reports, with careful consideration given to variability in royalty rates and licensing cycles. The goal is to illuminate how these legacies generate wealth year after year.
