Who’s Making Money In Rock & Roll?

Music is something we all have in common. We show our support for our favorites by purchasing their music via downloads and concert tickets when the opportunities arise.That love translates into big time income for artist that rise to the upper echelons of the competitive music industry.

Billboard magazine has released the latest installment of its annual Money Makers list ranking the top-earning music artists of the past year, and a number of veteran acts made it into the top 10 of the tally.  The Rolling Stones landed at #5 after earning more than $26.2 million during 2013.  The legendary British rockers can thank their brief but high-priced 50 and Counting tour, which sold out all 15 dates, along with sales of their Grrr! compilation and back catalog, for their successful year.

Rounding out the list's top 10 was Fleetwood Mac, who made about $19.1 million, thanks largely to the band's first tour in several years.

Further down on the tally is Paul McCartney, who brought in more than $13.7 million to land at #21.  The Eagles are right behind Sir Paul at #22 after earning about $13 million, bolstered by the band's popular History of the Eagles trek.

Topping Billboard's Money Makers list was country-pop sweetheart Taylor Swift, with earnings of close to $39.7 million in 2013.

The magazine compiles its tally by estimating an artist's U.S. earnings based on touring stats, album and single sales and streaming data.  The rankings don't include money from sponsorship or merchandise deals due to lack of substantial data.