Michael Jackson earned $145 million in 2012

In 2012, the Michael Jackson Foundation had income of $145 million. Since 2009, he had been the highest-earning artist in the world among both the living and the deceased, but this year he handed his position to Hollywood’s lady—Elizabeth Taylor, his close and longtime friend, who passed away last spring.

Elizabeth Taylor’s foundation income this year was $210 million, and most of that huge amount came from the sale of the jewelry collection of this American beauty with violet eyes.

Elvis Presley was the third highest-earning artist this year with $55 million. Charles Schultz, the famous cartoonist and creator of the comic strip Peanuts, ranked fourth with $37 million, and fifth place with $17 million went to Bob Marley, the great Jamaican artist.

Forbes wrote that although Lady Liz took the first place this year from the King of Pop, it’s not expected that she will hold the title for long, because Michael Jackson is still generating huge profits from album sales and other projects.

Source: eMJey.com / Forbes