British music legend Paul McCartney has become the world’s third-richest musician, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, according to a new Forbes analysis published Monday.
The 84-year-old former Beatles star ranks behind American rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, whose fortune is estimated at $2.8 billion, and pop superstar Taylor Swift, who has an estimated net worth of $2 billion.
McCartney’s wealth has been accumulated over more than six decades through music royalties, songwriting copyrights, concert tours and investments in real estate and art.
A significant portion of his fortune comes from MPL Communications, the music publishing company he founded in 1969, which Forbes estimates is worth at least $250 million.
His songwriting copyrights associated with the Beatles continue to generate substantial revenue, with annual earnings estimated at $10 million or more.
McCartney rose to international fame during the 1960s as a member of the Beatles, alongside John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The band became one of the most commercially successful and influential groups in music history.
Following the Beatles’ breakup in 1970, McCartney established a successful career with Wings and subsequently as a solo artist, continuing to release music and perform internationally.
His enduring popularity, combined with ownership of valuable music publishing assets, has helped sustain his financial success long after the height of Beatlemania.
The latest ranking places McCartney among a small group of musicians whose careers and business ventures have generated fortunes exceeding $1 billion.
McCartney declined to comment on Forbes’ assessment of his wealth.