The 10 top-earning dead celebrities

1. Michael Jackson

story by Forbes

Michael Jackson never graced Forbes' annual richest-celebrities list in his lifetime. But the deceased singer earned more than any star on that list except Oprah Winfrey in the 12 months that ended Sept. 30.

With gross earnings of $275 million, Jackson is No. 1 on the magazine's 10th annual list of top-earning dead celebrities. Jackson, who died in June 2009 at age 50, had a better year, in terms of earnings, than the two most-profitable living musical acts -- U2 and AC/DC -- combined.

Jackson's posthumous earnings have been bolstered by shrewd negotiations by his estate, including a merchandising deal and the rights to his name and likeness for the Sony film "Michael Jackson's This Is It," which has grossed more than $300 million.

2. Elvis Presley
Earnings: $60 million

3. J.R.R. Tolkien
Earnings: $50 million

4. Charles Schulz
Earnings: $33 million

5. John Lennon
Earnings: $17 million

6. Stieg Larsson
Earnings: $15 million

7. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)
Earnings: $11 million

8. Albert Einstein
Earnings: $10 million

9. George Steinbrenner
Earnings: $8 million

10. Richard Rodgers
Earnings: $7 million