Michael Jackson Named Highest Earning Dead Celebrity

Michael Jackson is still the king. The iconic international superstar was named the highest earning dead celebrity for 2013 by Forbes. Not only was MJ the top among the dearly departed, but he out earned every living entertainer as well.
By Forbes estimates, Jackson made $160 million over the past year besting Madonna’s $125 million total as most amongst those performers still alive. The King of Pop dwarfed the second highest earning dead celebrity. Elvis Presley came in a distant second with $55 million.
Most of Jackson’s earnings came from two Cirque du Soleil shows based on his music. The Immortal World Tour has reportedly grossed $300 million and One is a huge hit at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. He also still earns revenue from his musical catalog and from his publishing ownership of songs by The Beatles and others.