Toby, other Okies among top-earning country artists
Oklahoman Toby Keith tops the list of Top-Earning Country Music Stars compiled by Forbes.com.
Trio Rascal Flatts, which includes Joe Don Rooney of Picher, and duo Brooks & Dunn, which includes Tulsan Ronnie Dunn, ranks No. 2 and No. 5, respectively.
Keith, who was born in Clinton, raised in Moore and lives in Norman, took in $48 million in earnings over the last year. The Forbes.com analysis credited his financial success to his “strong personal brand” (including his “bulletproof persona” and patriotic anthems), his robust Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant chain, his Ford endorsement deal and his ownership of his record label, Show Dog Nashville. In addition, his 2007 tour grossed more than $34 million, the fourth-highest gross of any country tour last year.
At No. 2 on the list, Rascal Flatts pulled in $40 million. The group’s tour was among the 10 top earners of 2007, and the band has a youthful fanbase and strong pop-country crossover appeal.
Venerable duo Brooks & Dunn, who has amassed legions of loyal fans, raked in $20 million in earnings to land in the No. 5 spot. Dunn and Kix Brooks are known for touring frequently and spent much of the last year on road, including teaming with Alan Jackson (No. 9 on the list) for a tour that grossed more than $14 million.
Here is the complete list from Forbes.com:
1. Toby Keith, $48 million.
2. Rascal Flatts, $40 million.
3. Tim McGraw, $23 million.
4. Kenny Chesney, $22 million.
5. Brooks & Dunn, $20 million.
6. Brad Paisley, $16 million.
7. (tie) Faith Hill, $12 million.
7. (tie) Keith Urban, $12 million.
8. George Strait, $11 million.
9. Alan Jackson, $10 million.
In compiling the list, Forbes took into account artists’ concert grosses, merchandise revenue, album sales and endorsement and licensing income, according to the story. The figures represent estimates of gross earnings in the last 12 months.
The story’s analysis credits country artists’ extensive touring (which has replaced album sales as the chief source of revenue for musical artists over the past few years), humble personalities and loyal fans for helping them amass wealth and success. The story also notes that the digital download revolution and threat of piracy hasn’t affected country music as much as other genres; core country music fans are still willing to buy CDs rather than insisting on MP3s.
You can read the complete Forbes.com list and analysis and see a photo slideshow of the top 10 artists by clicking here.
-BAM
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