The pop singer, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, raked in more than any living artist in the past 12 months: $145 million.
The estate of the glamorous actress, who was 79 when she passed away last year, earned a staggering $210 million last year.
Most of that money came from the record-breaking Christie’s auctions of the star’s jewelry, costumes and art work, which brought in $184 million. Every one of the 1,800 lots sold. The most expensive item was an 1889 Van Gogh painting that went for $16 million.
Then there’s her perfume, White Diamonds, which is one of the best selling perfumes around bringing in $75 million at retail in 2011, according to Euromonitor.
The rest of the money came from property sales and residuals from Taylor’s movies. After Cleopatra, the star smartly negotiated a 10% ownership stake in each of her films. Her estate also collects money from Around The World in 80 Days, which was produced by her husband, Michael Todd.
2. Michael Jackson
3. Elvis Presley
4. Charles Schulz
Bob Marley rounds out the top five, with $17 million in earnings last year. The reggae star has become a diversified businessman from beyond the grave. There is now a Marley beverage company which sells Marley’s Mellow Mood, a “relaxation” drink. Then there’s the House of Marley which sells headphones, speakers and “lively up” bags.
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