Heralded for being the “King of Country Music”, George Harvey Strait gained fame for returning the country sound back to its origins when he set off his music in the 1980s. He started things off with a bang when his first single, “Unwound,” became an instant chart-topper after its release in 1981. His next seven albums continued to be hugely successful and repeatedly topped the charts. The success of Strait’s music led to numerous concert tours that helped him earn just over $99 million over the course of three years.
Strait’s impressive and successful music career has not only made him one of the best-selling artists of all time but has actually made him the 12th best-selling artist in United States history. Though he is currently retired on the music front, Strait continues to be a successful and beloved artist. He currently endorses a tequila brand and has embarked on various other business ventures to help pad his already impressive net worth.
Jimmy Buffett — $810 Million
When you think of Jimmy Buffet you probably don’t think of a hardworking businessman — but he’s just that. Crooning songs that paint pictures of a laidback, vacation lifestyle like "Cheeseburgers in Paradise", Jimmy Buffet launched an entire enterprise off his chilled-out brand. Though he made money from his music and tours, the majority of his cash flow came from his restaurant chains, Margaritaville Café and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Not only did he own restaurants, but Buffet’s brand can also be seen in convenience and grocery stores everywhere. A true business mogul, Jimmy Buffet also had his own beer label, a casino, and a $1 billion retirement village. And to keep his creative juices flowing he’s written his very own Broadway musical. Who knew Jimmy Buffet was such a hardworking guy?
Jerry Springer — $60 Million
Famous for his wild television show, the late great Jerry Springer had an interesting career with a very big paycheck. Mostly known for his sometimes grotesquely dramatic television show, Springer interestingly started off his career as a politician. Jerry Springer got his law degree and practiced in New York where he served as an advisor to John F. Kennedy. He went on to build a political career in Cincinnati.
However, Springer’s career in politics was not as successful as he had hoped and he eventually moved on to the entertainment side of politics by becoming a political commentator and reporter. Here, Springer found his career niche. His talents as a broadcaster eventually lead to what we know Jerry for best, hosting "The Jerry Springer Show." Not so much a talk show as a show of spectacles, Springer’s dramatic television program certainly paid off for him. He sadly passed away in 2023.
Jay-Z — $2.5 Billion
Talk about the ultimate power couple! In addition to Beyoncé’s multimillion net worth, Jay-Z has accrued a staggering $2.5 billion in net earnings. You might’ve guessed that Beyoncé had amassed more wealth than her husband, but Jay-Z has been smart with his money over the years and his successful business ventures have paid off big time. With investments in entertainment labels, a clothing line, various alcohol brands, and Tidal, a music streaming service, Jay-Z has his finger on the pulse and it’s making him richer by the day. Additionally, Jay-Z owns an upscale sports club.
We haven’t even gotten to the money Jay-Z has made from his music label. Jay-Z’s successful career as a musician is the platform from which he was able to build his fortune and eventually make so much money that he was named America’s richest musician by Rolling Stone. Not only that, Jay-Z was ranked number five on Forbes’ rankings of celebrity net worths. Not too shabby!
Shania Twain — $410 Million
Shania Twain’s impressive net worth is actually no surprise considering her massive repertoire of chart-topping hits. Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain has had an incredible country music career and has amassed quite a fortune. Beginning her career as a teenager, Twain accumulated massive acclaim after her second studio album led her to chart-topping recognition.
Iconically famous songs include “Man, I Feel Like A Woman,” and “That Don't Impress Me Much.” Continuing on in her career, Twain still has a huge fan base, continues to release new music, and keeps us all on our toes. Her $410 million net worth continues to grow to this day.