Paul McCartney Becomes Third Richest Musician in the World with $1.4 Billion Fortune

In brief

• Forbes estimates Paul McCartney's fortune at about $1.4 billion, placing him third among the world's richest musicians.
• Jay-Z ranks first with $2.8 billion and Taylor Swift second with $2 billion.
• McCartney's wealth comes from song rights, Beatles-related earnings and touring, with MPL Communications central to his business.

A fortune built on rights and royalties

The 84-year-old former Beatle trails rapper Jay-Z, whose fortune Forbes puts at $2.8 billion, and singer Taylor Swift, valued at $2 billion. (Пол Макартні стаў трэцім у свеце музыкантам-мільярдэрам – Nasza Niwa)

Early control of his catalogue

The core of McCartney's business is MPL Communications, founded in 1969, shortly before The Beatles broke up. The company allowed him to control the rights to his solo recordings and compositions and to collect a large share of the revenue they generate. He also began acquiring rights to songs written by other artists long before music catalogues became a widely sought-after investment asset.

Decades of work

Music industry income has grown steadily over the decades, and McCartney has remained active in the business side of his career alongside performing. Reports note that his wealth accumulated through song performances, legal disputes and countersuits, and continuous touring. Six decades after he once said he did not care much about money, his estimated fortune now stands at $1.4 billion.

Comparison of estimated fortunes

• Jay-Z: $2.8 billion
• Taylor Swift: $2 billion
• Paul McCartney: $1.4 billion (Пол Маккартни стал миллиардером и вошел в тройку самых богатых музыкантов мира – NV)