Here's The Surprising Singer Who Beat Taylor Swift As The World's Highest Paid Country Musician
Forbes estimates the 53-year-old singer made a whopping $65 million this year, thanks to his "I Love This Bar And Grill restaurants, a multimillion-dollar endorsement deal with Ford, his own Wild Shot mescal, and the acts he signs to his Show Dog label."
Keith says of the other musicians on his label and brand synergy: "I can put them on that 30-city tour. I don't have to look for a place to play. It's cost-effective as crap," he explained. "They're in Toby's house. They're drinking Toby's liquor. That's Toby's act. And then we're moving to the next town."
Keith's $65 million just beat out country's most famous face, Taylor Swift, who raked in an estimated $64 million this year.
Forbes explains, "Still only 24 years old, she fell just short of the top spot on this year's list, but her $64 million total is the best of her young career, boosted by heavy touring and endorsements for Diet Coke, Keds and CoverGirl."
But Keith can be expected to reign supreme among all musical genres. In 2013's rankings, his $65 million slotted him at No. 4, behind Madonna ($125 million), Lady Gaga ($80 million) and Bon Jovi ($79 million).
This year, he even outpaced "masters of product extension" like Jay-Z ($42 million), Beyoncé ($53 million) and Jennifer Lopez ($45 million).
Check out the top 10 highest-earning country stars below:
6. Zac Brown Band, $29 million
10. Florida Georgia Line, $24 million
Read the rest of Forbes' list here >