Top 7 Richest Musicians in the World – 2023 Year End Update

Back in 2001, Jay-Z said, “Put me anywhere on God’s green earth, I’ll triple my worth” and based on our list of the richest musicians in the world, those were not just rap bars.

Our list explores musicians that have made a major impact in music and have been rewarded greatly for it.

Richest Musicians in the World Ranked

Let’s explore the lives of these talented musicians, their current net worth, and reveal the richest of the bunch.

7. Madonna

Full Name	Madonna Louise Ciccone
Date of Birth	August 16, 1958
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Actress, & Businesswoman
Business Ventures	Maverick (Entertainment Company), Multiple Fashion and Beauty Brands, Investments in Art and Real Estate
2023 Net Worth	$850 million

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan.

Madonna’s career began as a drummer, guitarist, and vocalist in the rock bands Breakfast Club and Emmy. Her solo career took off with her debut album in 1983, which was followed by a series of hit albums, including “Like a Virgin” (1984) and “True Blue” (1986).

She is the best-selling female recording artist of all time, according to Guinness World Records.

Madonna’s Net Worth & Sources of Income

A major part of Madonna’s $850 million net worth is from music (album sales, touring, and royalties), acting, and various businesses, making her one of the richest musicians in the world.

Madonna is known for highly lucrative tours which are till date among the highest-grossing tours ever for a female artist. Her albums, such as “Like a Virgin” and “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” have also sold millions worldwide.

She also has a series of successful fashion lines and endorsements, including a collaboration with H&M and her own line for juniors called “Material Girl,” co-created with her daughter, Lourdes.

6. Herb Alpert

Date of Birth	March 31, 1935
Occupation	Musician, Record Executive, & Artist
Business Ventures	Co-founder of A&M Records, Philanthropy through the Herb Alpert Foundation, Art and Sculpture
2023 Net Worth	$850 million

Born on March 31, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Herb Alpert is a legendary trumpeter and composer. He is the leader of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, one of the most successful instrumental acts in history.

In 1962, Herb Alpert co-founded A&M Records, which grew into one of the most successful independent record labels ever. The label was home to artists like The Carpenters, Cat Stevens, and Janet Jackson.

In 1989, A&M Records was sold to PolyGram for a reported $500 million.

Herb Alpert’s Net Worth & Sources of Income

Herb Alpert’s net worth is estimated to be around $850 million, and he is currently the sixth-richest musician on the planet.

A major part of Herb Alpert’s fortune comes from his smart business decisions, particularly his co-founding of A&M Records. The sale of A&M Records to PolyGram in 1989 for approximately $500 million significantly increased his net worth.

His band, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, were also massively successful, releasing successful albums which sold over 6 million copies.

5. Diddy

Full Name	Sean John Combs
Date of Birth	November 4, 1969
Occupation	Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor, & Entrepreneur
Business Ventures	Founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean John Clothing Line, Partnership with Ciroc Vodka, Ownership of Revolt TV Network, Investment in AQUAhydrate
2023 Net Worth	$900 Million

Sean John Combs AKA Puff Daddy, Diddy, or P. Diddy is a legend in music, business, and fashion. He was born on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York, and remains a key figure in hip-hop culture.

Diddy started his career as a talent director at Uptown Records, where he helped shape the careers of Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. Later, he founded Bad Boy Entertainment, and was behind the success of artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase.

His own music career took off with the release of his debut album “No Way Out” (1997), which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

Diddy’s Net Worth & Sources of Income

Diddy’s net worth of $900 million is from various sources of income and businesses, and he is one the richest rappers ever.

Bad Boy Entertainment has produced numerous lucrative albums and singles, both for Diddy himself and for other artists.

Diddy also has a lucrative partnership with Ciroc Vodka, and has investments in AQUAhydrate, a performance water brand.

He also owns the Revolt TV.

4. Sir Paul McCartney

Full Name	Sir Paul McCartney
Date of Birth	June 18, 1942
Occupation	Musician, Songwriter, Singer, & Producer
Business Ventures	MPL Communications, Vegetarian and Organic Food Range, & Music Publishing Rights
2023 Net Worth	$1.2 Billion

Sir Paul McCartney was born on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England. He is popularly known for being a member of The Beatles, arguably the most famous band that ever existed.

As a member of the Beatles, Paul McCartney was a bassist, vocalist, and also a songwriter. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, he started his highly successful solo career.

Paul McCartney’s Net Worth & Sources of Income

Sir Paul McCartney’s estimated net worth is around $1.2 billion, and his wealth is accumulated from various sources.

A major part of Paul McCartney’s wealth comes from his long and successful career in the music industry.

He owns MPL Communications, one of the world’s largest privately-owned music publishers, which holds the rights to more than 25,000 songs, including works by Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, amongst others.

Paul McCartney also has major investments in real estate and has an extensive art collection, which includes works by Picasso and Renoir.

3. Andrew Lloyd Webber

Full Name	Andrew Lloyd Webber
Date of Birth	March 22, 1948
Occupation	Composer & Producer
Business Ventures	– Owns the Really Useful Group, managing shows and music. – Invests in theatre productions and owns several theaters in London’s West End. – Interests in music publishing rights. – Involved in television production, like “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”
2023 Net Worth	$1.2 billion

Born on March 22, 1948, in London, Andrew Lloyd Webber, is one of the most successful composers in history.

His first major success was “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (1968), followed by the global hit “Jesus Christ Superstar” (1970) and “Evita” (1976).

“The Phantom of the Opera” (1986), arguably his most famous work, broke box office records and won numerous awards, including the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Musical.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Net Worth & Sources of Income

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wealth of $1.2 billion is primarily from his career in musical theatre as both a composer and producer.

He owns the Really Useful Group, a company that manages his shows and music rights. This company has been instrumental in producing and licensing his famous works globally.

Andrew Lloyd Webber also earns from music publishing rights and has businesses in television production, with projects like “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”

2. Rihanna (The Richest Female Musician in The World)

Full Name	Robyn Rihanna Fenty
Date of Birth	February 20, 1988
Occupation	Singer, Businesswoman, & Fashion Influencer
Business Ventures	Fenty Beauty, Fenty Fashion Line, Savage X Fenty, Acting, Music
2023 Net Worth	$1.7 Billion

Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados.

She released her debut album “Music of the Sun,” quickly followed by “A Girl Like Me,” which featured the hit single “SOS.” Her third album, “Good Girl Gone Bad,” and its chart-topping single “Umbrella,” made Rihanna an international star.

She has released multiple successful albums since then.

Rihanna’s Net Worth & Sources of Income

At number 2 on our list of richest musicians in the world is Rihanna. Her net worth of $1.7 billion is mainly from her highly successful music career with numerous hits.

She also launched Fenty Beauty, a very lucrative business, in 2017. Rihanna’s stake in Fenty beauty is a major part of her wealth.

1. Jay-Z (The Richest Musician in the World)

Full Name	Shawn Corey Carter
Date of Birth	December 4, 1969
Occupation	Rapper, Songwriter, Businessman, & Record Executive
Business Ventures	Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc Nation, TIDAL, 40/40 Club, & Armand de Brignac, D’Ussé
2023 Net Worth	$2.5 billion

Jay-Z was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, and he is an entrepreneur, rapper, and music legend that has had a major impact on the hip-hop industry and beyond.

Jay-Z began his musical career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, co-founding the independent record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995. He released his highly successful debut album “Reasonable Doubt” in 1996.

He is often referred to as one of the greatest rappers of all time, and rightfully so.

Jay-Z’s Net Worth & Sources of Income

Coming in at number 1 on our list of Richest Musicians in the World is none other than Jay-Z. Seems he has more than tripled his wealth since 2001.

Jay-Z’s net worth as of 2023 is approximately $2.5 billion. A big part of his wealth comes from his career as a rapper and music producer, including album sales, touring, and streaming royalties.

Jay-Z also has founded and invested in several businesses, including Rocawear (which he later sold), the 40/40 Club sports bar chain, Tidal (a streaming service), Roc Nation (an entertainment company), and investment in Armand de Brignac Champagne.

Sources & References: Forbes.com, Marca & Celebrity Net Worth