- Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017
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Forbes: Michael Jackson top earning dead celebrity with $75M
In this March 5, 2009, file photo, Michael Jackson appears at an event to announce a series of concerts in London. Forbes announced on Oct. 30, 2017, that Jackson topped its list of highest-earning dead celebrities. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File)
- NEW YORK (AP)
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Michael Jackson died eight years ago, but he's still generating millions of dollars.
Jackson is atop the Forbes list of top-earning dead celebrities for the fifth straight year, with $75 million. Forbes says Jackson's earnings are boosted by a new greatest hits album, a Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show and a stake in the EMI music publishing catalog.
Two other singers join Jackson in the top five. Elvis Presley comes in fourth with $35 million and Bob Marley ranks fifth with $23 million.
Golf legend Arnold Palmer is the second-highest earner. He brought in $40 million in part through sales of Arizona lemonade and ice tea beverage made in his name.
Palmer is followed by Charles Schulz. The creator of the "Peanuts" franchise made $38 million.