Swift Leads Country Money Makers

Taylor Swift netted more money than any other country entertainer last year, according to Billboard’s Money Makers 2011 issue (Feb. 19). The recently released list is based on net earnings derived from U.S. touring, music sales, and music and video streams.
21-year-old Swift saw her bank account swell by about $20.7 million, and ranked No. 6 on the all-genre tally. Her income came from 4.4 million in album sales, which translated to about $7.4 million in mechanical royalties for the star, not including publishing. Her tour grossed over $30 million, netting Swift around $10 million.
CMA reigning Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley netted almost $14 million, sliding into No. 12 on the list. According to Billboard Boxscore, his H20 Tour was the top-grossing country run, with receipts nearing $38 million. He also pocketed a cool million from music sales.
With about $13.5 million each, Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw came in 13th and 14th on the list, respectively.
Rounding out the country names on the tally are Rascal Flatts (No. 16, $11.9); Toby Keith (No. 21, $9.8); Lady Antebellum (No. 24, $9.1); Brooks & Dunn ($8.6); George Strait (No. 31, $7.3); Reba (No. 32, $7.1); and Sugarland (No. $4.4).
Lady Gaga was the year’s biggest money maker, pocketing about $30.5 million. More from Billboard.