In 2022, the top-earning dead celebrities collectively earned a record $1.6 billion, a 72% increase from the previous year. J.R.R. Tolkien topped the list with $500 million from the sale of Middle-Earth Enterprises, followed by Kobe Bryant with $400 million from his stake in BodyArmor, and David Bowie at $250 million for his publishing catalog. Elvis Presley generated $110 million mainly from Graceland tours. The music industry continues to see substantial earnings from deceased artists, with nearly $700 million generated from musicians alone. The report highlights a shift in intellectual property control, emphasizing the resurgence of artists’ estates as significant revenue sources in the entertainment world.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings from deceased celebrities | Posthumous earnings for celebrities are significantly rising, with a record $1.6 billion earned this year. | From static or declining posthumous earnings to a booming market for deceased artists’ intellectual properties. | In 10 years, deceased celebrities may generate even higher earnings through innovative marketing and IP management. | Increased investment in legacy brands and nostalgia marketing is driving this trend. | 5 |
| Shift in IP ownership | Artists are regaining control over their intellectual property, leading to significant estate sales. | Change from companies owning artists’ IP to artists and their estates selling back their rights for profit. | In a decade, artists may have more equitable control over their IP and earn more from their legacies. | Artists’ recognition of the value of their IP leads to strategic estate planning and sales. | 4 |
| Nostalgia-driven investments | Investors view classic music and literature as reliable income streams, boosting posthumous earnings. | Shift from contemporary to classic music and literature being seen as lucrative investment opportunities. | In 10 years, classic literature and music could dominate investment portfolios, influencing culture and consumption. | The nostalgia factor drives demand for classic content, attracting new generations of fans and investors. | 4 |
| Complex IP rights landscape | The acquisition of IP rights is becoming increasingly complicated, as seen with Tolkien’s estate. | From simple IP ownership to a complex web of ownership involving multiple parties and companies. | In the future, navigating IP rights may require specialized knowledge, impacting how media is produced and consumed. | The demand for adaptations and merchandise drives the complexity of IP rights negotiations. | 3 |
| Streaming service impact on classic media | Classic media content is moving to streaming platforms, changing how it’s accessed and monetized. | Shift from free broadcast TV to paid streaming for classic holiday specials and other media. | In 10 years, access to classic media may rely heavily on subscription models, altering audience engagement. | The growth of streaming services and changing consumer habits are driving this transition. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Monetization of Dead Artists’ Estates | The increasing financial exploitation of deceased celebrities’ intellectual properties raises ethical concerns about commodifying individuals after death. | 4 |
| Intellectual Property Rights Complexity | The intricate ownership structures surrounding intellectual property of deceased individuals, as seen in Tolkien’s case, may lead to legal disputes and confusion. | 5 |
| Impact of Streaming Services on Classic Content | The shift of classic content to paid streaming platforms diminishes accessibility and could affect the cultural significance of classic works. | 3 |
| Inflation of Earnings Impacting Legacy | The significant growth in earnings for deceased celebrities points to a potential inflation of perceived legacy and importance of past artists. | 3 |
| Reliance on Nostalgia for Economic Stability | The trend of investing in the works of deceased artists indicates a societal reliance on nostalgia, potentially stunting innovation in new creative endeavors. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Posthumous Earnings Surge | Deceased celebrities are generating record earnings, with a 72% increase in income from last year, indicating a growing market for their intellectual properties. | 5 |
| Intellectual Property Sales | Estates are actively selling intellectual property rights, as seen with Tolkien’s and Bryant’s estates, reflecting a strategic shift in managing posthumous assets. | 4 |
| Investments in Legacy | Investors view classic musicians and artists as reliable income streams, indicating a trend of valuing legacy content for financial gain. | 5 |
| Diversification of Revenue Streams | Celebrities’ estates are diversifying revenue through merchandise, licensing, and live experiences, moving beyond traditional royalties. | 4 |
| Changing Media Consumption | The consumption of classic content is shifting towards streaming platforms, impacting distribution rights and access. | 3 |
| Estate Planning for Artists | A trend where aging artists and their estates engage in proactive estate and tax planning to maximize posthumous revenues. | 4 |
| description | relevancy | src |
|---|---|---|
| The complex management and trading of intellectual property rights among various companies and estates. | 4 | da88628cf97bad8667f8f0afe51d01cc |
| Generates revenue from digital assets like music catalogs and film rights, reflecting new trends in media consumption. | 5 | da88628cf97bad8667f8f0afe51d01cc |
| Strategic planning by deceased artists’ estates to maximize revenue from their intellectual properties. | 4 | da88628cf97bad8667f8f0afe51d01cc |
| The shift of classic media content to subscription-based streaming platforms, changing revenue models. | 4 | da88628cf97bad8667f8f0afe51d01cc |
| Innovative strategies for generating income from merchandise related to deceased celebrities. | 3 | da88628cf97bad8667f8f0afe51d01cc |
| Increasing trend of acquiring music catalogs as a lucrative investment, especially posthumously. | 5 | da88628cf97bad8667f8f0afe51d01cc |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Posthumous Earnings Growth | The significant increase in earnings from deceased celebrities highlights a trend in the monetization of intellectual property after death. | 4 |
| Complex Intellectual Property Rights | The intricate IP rights landscape involving multiple stakeholders is becoming increasingly complex, impacting valuation and management of estates. | 5 |
| Rise of Streaming and Digital Media | The shift from traditional media to streaming platforms is changing how classic content is accessed and monetized. | 4 |
| Legacy Branding and Estate Management | Celebrities’ estates are becoming strategic brands, focusing on legacy planning and revenue generation from various channels. | 4 |
| Cultural Impact of Resurrecting Iconic Figures | The ongoing popularity and economic impact of deceased artists show the cultural significance and marketability of their legacies. | 3 |