Toby Keith s_bukley / Shutterstock.com
Forbes just released their list for “The World’s Highest Paid Country Musicians in 2014,” and for the second year in a row, country superstar Toby Keith came in at number one.
It was estimated that Keith has made $65 million so far this year, due to his many endeavors outside his own music: his “I Love This Bar and Grill” restaurants located around the country, his music label “Show Dog” and his multi-million dollar endorsement deal with Ford.
His successful business career has sent him soaring not just above his peers, but against some of music’s biggest superstars, like Beyoncé and Jay Z. Further, he is slated to rank in the top five biggest earners for all musicians in 2014.
Taylor Swift Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Taylor Swift (unsurprisingly) comes in at number two with a $64 million dollar paycheck, due to her super successful tour and many endorsements. At 24, she’s already one of country music’s all-time biggest, and wealthiest, stars.
The number three spot goes to Kenny Chesney, whose earnings sit at $44 million. While he can thank his endorsements, his “No Shoes Nation” tour is what’s keeping his pockets full by playing to crowds of more than 30,000 fans.
Jason Aldean is number four with $37 million. In his nine years on the scene, he’s released five platinum albums and a slew of cross-over country rock hits. His ability to appeal to a mass audience (a quality shared by everyone named here) has firmly planted him on this list.
Rounding out the top five is Luke Bryan at $34 million. Bryan was the second-biggest selling artist of 2013 (after Justin Timberlake) and he is still going strong. His latest album, “Crash My Party,” went double platinum in a matter of months.
Do any names on this list surprise you? Let us know in the comments below!
