Record sales may be in decline, but some of the world’s most iconic singers and celebrities are continuing to cash in on their fame – even after their death.
Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley have both generated more than £30million each from the grave in the past year – more than some of today’s a-listers are earning right now.
That's according to the latest Forbes rich list, which has outlined the wealthiest celebrities who are no more – with American rapper Nipsey Hussle in the list for the first time, ever.
After being shot during a marathon, things kept going for Nipsey.
The rapper has earned £8million in the past 12 months, a bigger annual haul than in any year he was alive.
"In the physical world, it would die down to the point where that stuff just wasn't carried anymore,” David Bakula, at Forbes said.
"That barrier's been removed, and it's just simply as long as you're still thinking about that artist, you're still going to go in and play it with really no friction at all."
1. Michael Jackson, £46million
The king of pop passed away on June 25, 2009 due to an overdose - but he's still making millions a decade on.
With proceeds flowing from his Mijac Music catalog, a Las Vegas show and a long-term deal with Sony, he retains his cash crown for the seventh consecutive year.
2. Elvis Presley, £30million
Elvis's death on August 16, 1977 sent shockwaves through the industry, with the icon passing away due to a suspected heart attack.
For decades, 500,000-plus visitors have made the pilgrimage to Graceland annually, prompting a recent £35million addition called Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
3. Charles Schulz, £29million
American cartoonist Charles Monroe "Sparky" Schulz died on February 12, 2000, following a battle with cancer.
But Snoopy’s creator continues to cash in around his Peanuts franchise’s 70th anniversary. A licensing deal with Met Life, expiring this year, also adds double-digit millions to his eternal coffers.
4. Arnold Palmer, £23million
Golfer Arnold Palmer died on September 25, 2016 after suffering from heart disease.
The golf legend’s empire remains well above par, thanks to partnerships with MasterCard and Rolex - while his Arizona beverage continues to rake in millions.
5. Bob Marley, £15million
The pioneer of reggae died on May 11, 1981 after a battle with cancer - but his music lives on.
His House of Marley products—including headphones, speakers and turntables continues to turn huge numbers around in the US and rest of world.
6. Dr. Seuss, £14million
The children's author passed away on September 24, 1991, after suffering from cancer, but his books continue to inspire generations.
Licensing deals with Hallmark, Universal Studios and others have seen more than 5million books sold in the past year.
7. John Lennon, £10million
The English musician, singer and guitarist with the Beatles passed away on December 8, 1980, but he's still an icon.
The 50th anniversary of Abbey Road has boosted the Beatles across streaming and digital - moving 2.2million U.S. album-equivalents over the past year, more than any defunct act - with Lennon’s own catalogue leaping 52%.
8. Marilyn Monroe, £10million
Marilyn Monroe, the quintessential blonde bombshell, was one the biggest stars of her era and continues to be a towering pop culture icon even today.
The actress passed away on August 5, 1962, but when it comes to licensing, Monroe has added a Zales collection to deals with the likes of Chanel and Montblanc - making her millions.
9. Prince, £9million
During his lifetime, Prince amassed a fortune estimated at more than £230million, which has continued despite his death on April 21, 2016.
The Purple One continues to move music, including a robust 320,000 physical units and half a billion on-demand streams, an overall increase of 12% year-on-year.
10. Nipsey Hussle, £8million
Nipsey Hussle rose from the Los Angeles streets with a series of hit underground mixtapes, becoming both a respected rapper and beloved community figure - even after his death on March 31, 2019.
But his retained rights to his music mean he continues to generate huge sums from his 1.85billion streams in the past year.
