Craving the latest scoop on R&B’s financial superstars? We’re here to drop the mic on who reigns supreme in the R&B money game! Explore the fortunes of legendary R&B singers and chart-topping modern artists.
SingerFortune will reveal the surprising strategies that led them to the list of the richest singer in the world 2024, so get ready to be schooled in R&B riches!
Our List of 10+ The Richest R&B Singer in The World 2024
| Rank | Singer | Net Worth (estimated) | Age | Major Sources of Wealth |
| 1 | Mariah Carey | $340 million | 54 | Residencies, Royalties |
| 2 | Beyoncé | $500 million | 42 | Ivy Park, Endorsements, Investments |
| 3 | Whitney Houston | $20 million (at the time of her death) | 48 | Acting, Royalties |
| 4 | Diana Ross | $250 million | 80 | Film And Television |
| 5 | Lionel Richie | $200 million | 74 | American Idol, Endorsements |
| 6 | Stevie Wonder | $110 million | 74 | Production, Royalties |
| 7 | Usher | $180 million | 45 | Acting, Business Ventures |
| 8 | The Weeknd | $300 million | 34 | Endorsements, Merchandise |
| 9 | Prince | $300 million (at the time of his death) | 57 | Music Rights, Merchandise |
| 10 | John Legend | $100 million | 45 | Television Production, Endorsements |
| 11 | Janet Jackson | $190 million | 57 | Acting, Endorsements |
| 12 | R. Kelly | -$2 million | 57 | (Prior Financial Troubles And Legal Issues Have Severely Impacted His Net Worth) |
| 13 | Alicia Keys | $150 million | 43 | Production, Endorsements |
| 14 | Mary J. Blige | $20 million | 53 | Acting, Endorsements |
| 15 | Chris Brown | $50 million | 34 | Endorsements, Acting |
| 16 | Aretha Franklin | $80 million (at the time of her death) | 76 | Royalties |
| 17 | Ray Charles | $75 million (at the time of his death) | 73 | Royalties, Business Ventures |
| 18 | Lauryn Hill | $9 million | 49 | Production |
| 19 | Toni Braxton | $10 million | 56 | Television, Residencies |
| 20 | Luther Vandross | $40 million (at the time of his death) | 54 | Royalties |
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston is often hailed as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, known for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Hits like I Will Always Love You and Greatest Love of All have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Beyond her chart-topping singles, Whitney’s roles in films such as The Bodyguard contributed significantly to her fame and fortune.
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is a musical prodigy whose career spans over six decades, graced with hits like Superstition and Isn’t She Lovely.
This multi-Grammy Award-winning artist’s influence extends beyond music, with active involvement in social justice causes, enhancing his stature and adding layers to his revenue through music royalties and appearances.
Aretha Franklin
Known as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin’s powerful voice and emotive music have earned her an immortal place in music history.
With timeless classics such as Respect and Think, Aretha not only garnered respect as a musician but also amassed a wealth reflective of her legendary status.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was a singer who masterfully mixed soul, R&B, and pop to craft sounds that addressed social issues and personal turmoil. His album What’s Going On remains a pivotal influence in music for its thematic depth and innovation.
Diana Ross
As a prominent figure in the music world, Diana Ross first gained fame with The Supremes before launching a successful solo career. Hits like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and her role in the film Lady Sings the Blues have significantly bolstered her net worth.
Ray Charles
Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul music, blending jazz, gospel, and blues. Known for hits like Hit the Road Jack and Georgia on My Mind, Charles’ music transcended genre boundaries, making substantial impacts both culturally and financially.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys burst onto the scene with her debut album Songs in A Minor and has since become a symbol of class and talent in the industry. Her ability to intertwine classical and contemporary styles not only won her numerous awards but also secured her a spot as a musical influencer.
Usher
Usher’s smooth vocals and charismatic performances have made him a major player in the R&B world. With albums like Confessions, he has not only topped charts but also built a lucrative career that includes coaching on The Voice, acting, and business ventures.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is known for her five-octave vocal range and blockbuster hits like Hero and All I Want for Christmas Is You. Mariah has turned her music career into a multimillion-dollar enterprise through continuous chart success and residencies.
R. Kelly
Despite his controversial personal life, R. Kelly made significant contributions to R&B and hip-hop. Known for his operatic saga Trapped in the Closet and hits like I Believe I Can Fly, Kelly’s musical prowess saw him rise financially through the ’90s and early ’00s.
Frequently Asked Question
Who is the highest selling R&B singer?
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Michael Jackson tops the list with 89 million records sold in the US.
Who is the richest singer of all time?
- Jay-Z: Net Worth of $2.5 Billion.
- Rihanna: Net Worth of $1.7 Billion.
- Paul McCartney: Net Worth of $1.2 Billion.
- Andrew Lloyd Webber: Net Worth of $1.2 Billion.
- Sean “Puffy” Combs: Net Worth of $1.0 Billion.
Who is the king of RNB music?
Usher accepts the King of R&B title, but his sights are set on much more.
Which artist has sold 1 billion records?
It was estimated that more than one billion Elvis Presley records have been sold worldwide.
Who is the most successful singer in the world?
With 250 million or more records:
- Michael Jackson
- Elvis Presley
- Elton John
- Queen
Who is the richest rapper in the world?
- Jay-Z – $2 billion.
- P Diddy – $800 million.
- Dr. Dre – $500 million.
Who is the father of R&B?
Louis Thomas Jordan—vocalist, bandleader, and saxophonist—ruled the charts, stage, screen, and airwaves of the 1940s and profoundly influenced the creators of rhythm and blues (R&B), rock and roll, and post–World War II blues.
Who sold more records Beyoncé or Taylor Swift?
According to BestSellingAlbums.org, Swift has sold a total of 75,699,207 albums worldwide and Beyoncé’s total album sales at 42,045,134 with her most popular being I Am…
Conclusion
So, who’s the R&B king or queen pin when it comes to stacking cash? Dive into Singer Fortune’s treasure trove of R&B wealth information! We’ll keep you updated on the latest music moneymakers and the future of R&B fortunes. Stay tuned for the hottest financial hits!
