Taylor Swift became the first musician to reach billionaire status mainly from music, according to Forbes in 2024.
Forbes estimated Swift’s net worth at about $1.1 billion in October 2023, after the success of her Eras Tour, concert film, music catalogue and recordings. Forbes’ 2024 billionaire coverage then treated her as a billionaire whose fortune was built primarily through music rather than cosmetics, fashion or another separate business.
The distinction is important because Rihanna and Jay-Z also became billionaires, but much of their wealth came from businesses outside recorded music. Rihanna’s Fenty ventures and Jay-Z’s investments were central to their estimates. Swift’s catalogue ownership, touring revenue and licensing were especially significant.
Net-worth estimates are not audited public accounts. Forbes combines known earnings, asset values and business interests, so the exact figure can change. Becoming a billionaire also does not mean that every dollar of tour revenue becomes personal profit.