Top 10 Icons Who Continue to Earn Staggering Income Posthumously

The Wealth of the Deceased: Posthumous Earnings of Legendary Creators

In the world of entertainment and creativity, the legacies of iconic figures often continue to shine long after their time on this Earth has passed. From literary luminaries and musical maestros to beloved cartoonists and sporting legends, their influence endures not only in the hearts of their adoring fans but also in their posthumous earnings. This compilation takes a closer look at the remarkable financial journeys of some of the most celebrated individuals in history, exploring how their work, creativity, and intellectual property continue to generate wealth and preserve their indelible mark on the world. Here are their stories of financial triumphs, enduring legacies, and the remarkable ways in which their timeless contributions remain evergreen in today's world.

1. J.R.R. Tolkien: $500 Million

Died: September 2, 1973 (aged 81) – J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of Middle-earth, has posthumously earned an estimated fortune of $500 million. In August, Embracer, a Swedish video game company, acquired Middle Earth Enterprises along with several other entities for a total of $788 million, as they chose not to disclose individual deal prices. However, insiders suggest that Middle Earth Enterprises accounted for a substantial portion of this sum, a figure Embracer did not dispute. Following the acquisition, Middle-earth's intellectual property will be shared among various companies, creating one of the most intricate IP rights divisions in history, involving HarperCollins, Amazon, Warner Brothers/New Line, and the Tolkien Estate.

2. Kobe Bryant: $400 Million

Died: January 26, 2020 (aged 41) – Kobe Bryant, the beloved late L.A. Lakers icon, left a lasting legacy even beyond the basketball court. Forbes reported that he held a 7% stake in BodyArmor, an energy drink company, and was a board member before his tragic passing in 2020. In November 2021, Coca-Cola made a significant move to acquire the remaining 70% of BodyArmor, valuing the company at $8 billion and resulting in a purchase price of $5.6 billion. As a result of this deal, Bryant's estate garnered an estimated $400 million in proceeds, a testament to his enduring impact in the world of business and sports.

3. Elvis Presley: $110 Million

Died: August 16, 1977 (aged 42) – Despite having left the building over four decades ago, Elvis Presley's financial reign remains rock solid. The King posthumously benefited significantly from the surge in Covid-era tourists flocking to his iconic Graceland mansion and resort. Sources closely linked to the estate revealed that a substantial portion of the approximately $110 million earnings came from tour tickets, shows, and merchandise. While the Elvis biopic didn't directly mint a fortune for the estate, its success is expected to provide a lucrative encore, as both new and long-standing fans clamor for their piece of the King. Even sales of Disney's Stitch plush animals dressed as Elvis experienced a boost from last year.

4. James Brown: $100 Million

Died: December 25, 2006 (aged 73) – The legacy of the "hardest working man in show business," James Brown, lives on even after his passing in 2006. Primary Wave, an independent music publisher based in New York, acquired Brown's music rights, real estate, and name and likeness. The late Godfather of Soul's estate, valued at $100 million, continues to work tirelessly through these assets. Notably, some of the proceeds from these acquisitions will be utilized to establish perpetual academic scholarships for underprivileged children, ensuring that Brown's influence and generosity endure for generations.

5. Michael Jackson: $75 Million

Died: June 25, 2009 (aged 50) – The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, continues to be a major moneymaker even beyond his untimely passing in 2009. His Cirque de Soleil show in Las Vegas, dedicated to his legacy, is thriving again as COVID restrictions wane, while his Mijac Music catalog remains a lucrative asset. Additionally, "MJ The Musical" on Broadway, a musical extravaganza recounting Jackson's life story, has become a new source of wealth. In just nine months since its premiere, the musical is expected to gross $80 million by November, according to insights from a Jackson estate insider, demonstrating the enduring financial power of the iconic entertainer.

6. Leonard Cohen: $55 Million

Died: November 7, 2016 (aged 82) – The soulful maestro behind "Hallelujah," Leonard Cohen, found his publishing and masters under the stewardship of Hipgnosis, a publicly traded music management and intellectual property company led by Merck Mercuriadis. Known for managing an array of musical giants, from Beyoncé to Elton John, Hipgnosis acquired Cohen's treasured catalog. Interestingly, Cohen's financial tranquillity was evident even during his lifetime. Despite facing a misappropriation of $5 million by his manager in the mid-2000s, Cohen's response, as recounted by investment banker David Pullman of "Bowie Bond" fame, exemplified his Zen-like demeanor. He calmly stated, "No, what good would that do?" – a testament to his remarkable equanimity.

7. Dr. Seuss: $32 Million

Died: September 24, 1991 (aged 87) – Dr. Seuss, the beloved creator of whimsical worlds like Whoville and iconic characters like The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax, continues to enchant audiences. Recent book sales, amassing over $16 million since November, reflect the enduring popularity of his stories. Moreover, a lucrative Netflix deal and a thriving merchandise line featuring his timeless creations further contribute to the legacy of this literary genius. Though he once envisioned the tiny Whos living on a speck of dust carried by Horton the elephant, the impact of Dr Seuss's imagination is nothing short of colossal.

8. Jeff Porcaro: $25 Million

Died: August 5, 1992 (aged 38) – Though his name may not be as recognizable as some, the late drummer Jeff Porcaro was an industry legend during his lifetime. Co-writing the platinum-certified hit "Africa" for the '80s rock band Toto was just one of his many achievements. He served as the go-to studio drummer for renowned producer Quincy Jones and contributed to the iconic rhythms of Michael Jackson's "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time. Porcaro's beats resonated across a spectrum of music legends, from Steely Dan to Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen. His enduring legacy lives on through the acquisition of his publishing and recording royalties by Primary Wave.

9. Charles Schulz: $24 Million

Died: February 12, 2000 (aged 77) – Snoopy and the beloved Peanuts characters have been a perennial source of income, just as they've been a perpetual source of woe for poor Charlie Brown. Yet, the game is evolving. For the first time in over five decades, cherished holiday classics such as "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" will no longer grace free broadcast TV. Apple TV secured the rights for their paid streaming service, though nonsubscribers will still have designated free viewing days, and PBS will also offer streaming access to these timeless specials.

10. Juan Gabriel: $23 Million

Died: August 28, 2016 (aged 66) – Juan Gabriel, one of the most prolific Mexican composers and singers in history, crafted around 1,800 songs during his lifetime, enchanting audiences with his flamboyant style and fashion sense, often adorned in sequins. He earned two Latin Grammys and sold an estimated 60 million albums, a testament to his enduring popularity. Fondly referred to as the "divo of Juarez" in honor of his hometown, Gabriel's estate made a significant deal with Universal Music Group. In this agreement, the singer's post-2008 catalog will be managed by the label's subsidiary, Virgin Music US Latin, while Universal's publishing arm will oversee his entire record, securing his musical legacy.