Until his death in June 2009, the number one position was normally held by Memphis legend Elvis Presley, who continued in the number two position this year with over $60 million in revenue, earned via Graceland and a Las Vegas production. With Jackson’s overdose at his Los Angeles home last year, the “Thriller” star tragically usurped Presley in the chart... despite owing more than $500 million at the time of his death. According to the magazine, fans forked out over $275 million to pick up Jackson memorabilia and music, including tickets to the film of his planned comeback concerts in London, “This Is It”. 

“Thanks to a lucrative catalogue, hit film and album sales, the late king of pop earned more in the last year than Lady Gaga, Madonna and Jay-Z, combined,” said Lacey Rose, Forbes journalist. “Jackson’s spot atop our top earning dead celebrities list should come as no surprise given the renewed fan interest in music, videos and all things Michael Jackson.”

In 2009, Jackson came in third on the list. His former doctor, Dr Conrad Murray, is currently awaiting trial over his overdose. Other celebrities on the list include former Beatle John Lennon (number five at $17 million) and Jimi Hendrix (number 13 with $6 million).