Revealed: the richest living musician from every US state
The richest musician in every state

From pop divas to legendary rockstars, the US is home to some of the biggest music stars in the world, with each state boasting its own icons.
Ever wondered who’s the brightest star to hail from your home state? Read on to discover the richest living musician from every state, ranked by net worth, and find out how they built their impressive fortunes.
Idaho: Josh Ritter – up to $1 million

Born in Moscow, Idaho in 1976, Josh Ritter is the Gem State's richest musician, with an estimated net worth of up to $1 million. The singer-songwriter, who records and performs with The Royal City Band, has gained a cult following since the release of his debut self-titled album in 1999.
In 2006, Paste Magazine named Ritter as one of the 100 Greatest Living Songwriters. His heartfelt lyrics and folk-rock sound, as demonstrated in songs such as Kathleen and Getting Ready to Get Down, have drawn comparisons to the likes of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
Maine: Howie Day – $2 million

Howie Day is the most moneyed musician to hail from Maine, with an estimated net worth of $2 million. The singer-songwriter shot to fame in 2005 when his second album, Stop All The World Now, was certified Gold. The record features his biggest hit, Collide, which achieved 1.5 million downloads.
Although he hasn't released an album since 2015, the 44-year-old rocker continues to perform and will embark on his Stop All The World Now 20th Anniversary Tour later this year.
South Dakota: Shawn Colvin – $2 million

Award-winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin, born in Vermillion in 1956, is South Dakota's wealthiest musician. Her estimated net worth stands at $2 million.
Since the release of her debut album, Steady On, in 1989, the folk songstress has sold over one million records globally. She's best known for her song Sunny Came Home, which topped the charts and led to her winning three Grammys.
Rhode Island: Jeffrey Osborne – $6 million

Rhode Island-born R&B star Jeffrey Osborne is the state's richest musician, with an estimated $6 million net worth. He rose to fame as the drummer and lead singer of the funk band L.T.D. in the 1970s before launching a successful solo career in the 1980s.
The four-time Grammy-nominated artist, known for soulful songs such as On the Wings of Love and Stay With Me Tonight, continues to perform live despite being in his 70s and is set to tour later this year.
Vermont: JoJo – $7 million

The brightest music star to hail from Vermont is JoJo, with an estimated net worth of $7 million. JoJo shot to fame at the age of 13 when her debut single, Leave (Get Out), topped the charts, making her the youngest solo artist in history to achieve a number-one song in the United States at that time.
Now 34, the songstress has released six studio albums and has sold over six million records globally. Her latest album, Trying Not to Think About It, dropped in 2021.
Wyoming: Scott Avett – $8 million

Scott Avett, born in Wyoming in 1976, is the richest musician from the Equality State, with an estimated net worth of $8 million. Avett rose to fame as the lead singer and guitarist of the folk-rock band The Avett Brothers.
The band has released 11 studio albums since its debut in 2002 and is best known for the 2009 album I and Love and You, which sold over 500,000 copies and was certified Gold.
Oregon: Tommy Thayer – $12 million

The richest musician hailing from Oregon is Tommy Thayer, with an estimated net worth of $12 million. Rockstar Thayer is best known as the lead guitarist in the glam rock band KISS. He joined in 2002, replacing former guitarist Ace Frehley, and performed with the band until its retirement from touring in 2023.
Prior to joining KISS, he was the lead guitarist in the rock band Black 'n Blue, which formed in 1981 and split in 1988. In 2010, the band was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
Iowa: Julia Michaels – $12 million

Hailing from Davenport, Julia Michaels is Iowa's wealthiest musician, with an estimated net worth of $12 million. She began her career as a songwriter, penning hits for stars like Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Christina Aguilera, and Selena Gomez.
Michaels stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist in 2017 with her Grammy-nominated debut single Issues. The song achieved 5× Platinum certification in America, 6× Platinum in Canada, and Diamond in France. It also reached the top 10 in many countries across the world. Following this success, Michaels released her debut studio album titled Not in Chronological Order in 2021.
North Dakota: Jonny Lang – $12.5 million

Blues, gospel, and rock singer Jonny Lang is North Dakota's richest musician, with an estimated net worth of $12.5 million. A former child star, Lang joined the Bad Medicine Blues Band as the lead singer at just 12 years old, and the group was renamed Kid Jonny Lang & the Big Bang. The band released their debut album in 1995, and Lang went on to release his first solo record, Lie to Me, in 1997, aged just 15.
Now in his 40s, Lang has released seven studio albums and sold over 2.1 million albums worldwide.
New Hampshire: Mandy Moore – $14 million

New Hampshire native Mandy Moore boasts an estimated $14 million fortune, making her the richest musician to hail from the state. She shot to fame at just 15 with the release of her debut studio album, So Real. Since then, she's released seven studio albums and sold over 10 million records worldwide.
Beyond music, Moore has bolstered her fortune via acting. Notable roles include the tear-jerking rom-com A Walk to Remember and voicing Disney princess Rapunzel in Tangled.
Alaska: Jewel – $14 million

Singer-songwriter Jewel grew up in the Alaskan wilderness without indoor plumbing before earning acceptance to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan to hone her musical talents. With a net worth of $14 million, she's the wealthiest musician to emerge from the Last Frontier.
Jewel released her debut album, Pieces of You, in 1995, which became one of the bestselling records of all time and remained on the Billboard 200 chart for two years. Since then, she's sold over 30 million records worldwide.
South Carolina: Josh Turner – $17 million

Country singer Josh Turner is South Carolina's wealthiest musician, with an estimated net worth of $17 million. He made waves with his 2003 debut album, Long Black Train, which spent over 40 weeks on the Billboard country charts and was certified gold.
Throughout his career, Turner has released 10 studio albums, with his latest arriving in 2024. The country crooner has sold over 6.5 million records worldwide, and his songs have achieved over 3.7 billion global streams.
Delaware: Stephen Marley – $20 million

Jamaican-American singer Stephen Marley, the son of music legend Bob Marley, is the wealthiest musician born in Delaware. His estimated net worth stands at a cool $20 million.
Musical talent clearly runs in the Marley bloodline. Stephen and his siblings Ziggy, Cedella, and Sharon are all members of the band Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. Stephen has also collaborated with his brothers Damian and Julian. As a solo artist, he's released several Grammy-winning reggae albums and won an impressive eight Grammys in total, receiving accolades for his solo projects and collaborations with his famous siblings.
Kentucky: Chris Stapleton – $25 million

Country star Chris Stapleton is the richest musician to hail from Kentucky, with an estimated $25 million fortune. He started out as a songwriter and also fronted several moderately successful bands. However, his big break came with the release of his debut solo album titled Traveller in 2015.
The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 charts and scored numerous accolades, including Album of the Year at the CMA and ACM Awards, as well as two Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance. To date, Stapleton has released five studio albums and sold over 10 million records globally.
Arkansas: Al Green – $25 million

The richest musician from Arkansas is soul singer Al Green, with an estimated net worth of $25 million. The veteran star rose to fame in the 1970s with hit songs like Take Me to the River and Let's Stay Together.
Over the course of his decades-spanning career, Green has sold over 20 million records. His impressive list of achievements includes induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and 11 Grammy wins, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.
Utah: Wayne Sermon – $40 million

Wayne Sermon is the richest musician to hail from Utah, with an estimated net worth of $40 million. He found fame and fortune as a founding member and lead guitarist of the rock band Imagine Dragons.
Formed in 2008, Imagine Dragons is one of the most commercially successful modern rock bands of all time. The group has sold 46 million albums and 56 million singles worldwide. Their biggest hit, Believer, is the 10th most played song on Spotify, with over 3.3 billion streams.
Nebraska: James Valentine – $40 million

James Valentine is Nebraska's richest musician, with an estimated net worth of $40 million. Valentine found fame and fortune as the lead guitarist of the rock band Maroon 5.
Since releasing debut album, Songs About Jane, in 2002, Maroon 5 has become one of the biggest names in rock thanks to hit songs like This Love and Moves Like Jagger. To date, the band has released seven studio albums and sold more than 120 million records globally.
Maryland: Joel and Benji Madden – $40 million

Identical twins Benji and Joel Madden are the richest musicians from Maryland, each with an estimated net worth of $40 million. The brothers are members of the punk rock band Good Charlotte, with Joel serving as the lead vocalist and Benji playing lead guitar and providing backing vocals.
The band released their debut album in 2000 but skyrocketed to fame with their second album, The Young and the Hopeless. The 2002 album sold over 3.8 million copies and featured smash hits like The Anthem and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. One of the most commercially successful pop-punk bands of all time, Good Charlotte has sold over 11 million albums worldwide.
New Mexico: Demi Lovato – $40 million

Born in 1992 in Albuquerque, Demi Lovato is New Mexico's richest music star. Her estimated net worth stands at $40 million. A former child star, she began her career as an actress on the TV series Barney & Friends in 2002 and is also known for starring in Disney Channel projects like Camp Rock and Sonny with a Chance.
Lovato launched her music career at the age of 16 with the release of her debut album, Don't Forget, in 2008. To date, she has released eight studio albums and sold over 51 million records worldwide. Her biggest hits include top 10 singles like Skyscraper and Heart Attack.
Wisconsin: Steve Miller – $60 million

Steve Miller is Wisconsin's richest musician, with an estimated net worth of $60 million. He rose to fame as the frontman of the rock group The Steve Miller Band, formed in 1966.
The band, which has sold over 29 million records, is known for hits like The Joker and Fly Like an Eagle. In 2016, Miller was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a music icon.
North Carolina: Tori Amos – $60 million

Born in Newton in 1963, Tori Amos is the wealthiest musician from North Carolina. Her estimated net worth stands at $60 million. She began her career as the frontwoman of the 1980s pop group Y Kant Tori Read but shot to fame in the 1990s as a solo star, thanks to hits like Crucify and Silent All These Years.
Over the course of her career, the Grammy-nominated artist has released an impressive 16 studio albums, the latest of which arrived in 2021, and has sold over 8.1 million records worldwide.
Illinois: Billy Corgan – $60 million

Billy Corgan is the richest music star from Illinois, with an estimated net worth of $60 million. He's best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.
With over 30 million records sold worldwide, The Smashing Pumpkins are among the most influential bands in music history, while Corgan is widely regarded as one of the greatest living songwriters. The band's third album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, remains their most successful and a defining record of the 1990s, having achieved 10× Platinum certification and seven Grammy nominations.
Montana: Jeff Ament – $70 million

Jeff Ament is Montana's richest musician, with an estimated net worth of $70 million. He began his career in the early 1980s with the band Green River, widely considered pioneers of the grunge sound, releasing one album with the group. However, it was as the bassist of the iconic grunge band Pearl Jam that he skyrocketed to fame.
Since its formation in 1990, Pearl Jam has released 10 studio albums and sold over 100 million records globally.
Nevada: Dan Reynolds – $70 million

Born in Las Vegas in 1987, Dan Reynolds is Nevada's wealthiest musician with an estimated net worth of $70 million. He found fame as the frontman of the rock band Imagine Dragons.
In addition to fronting the band, Reynolds is also its primary songwriter, which is why he's significantly richer than his previously mentioned bandmate, Wayne Sermon. In 2014, he received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Hal David Starlight Award for his work writing hit songs such as Demons and Thunder.
Kansas: Joe Walsh – $75 million

Rock 'n' roll veteran Joe Walsh is the richest musician from Kansas and is worth an estimated $75 million. Walsh is best known as a member of the Eagles, joining in 1975 and replacing founding member Bernie Leadon. He contributed to some of the band's biggest hits, including Life in the Fast Lane and Hotel California.
In addition to his work with the Eagles, Walsh has sold over 2.2 million records globally as a solo artist. His biggest hit, Rocky Mountain Way, released in 1973, is widely regarded as a rock classic.
Connecticut: Michael Bolton – $80 million

Michael Bolton is the richest music star to hail from Connecticut with an estimated $80 million fortune. He began his career as the lead vocalist of the hard rock band Blackjack before finding mainstream success as a solo artist in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Famed for hits like How Am I Supposed to Live Without You and When a Man Loves a Woman, Bolton has sold over 75 million records worldwide and won two Grammy Awards throughout his long career.
Mississippi: Faith Hill – $80 million

Country star Faith Hill is the wealthiest musician from Mississippi. Combined with her husband, Tim McGraw, she's worth an estimated $200 million, though sources place her independent net worth at $80 million.
Hill rose to fame in 1993 with her 3x Platinum debut album Take Me as I Am. Chart-topping hits like Breathe and There You'll Be cemented her status as a country music icon. The five-time Grammy winner has sold over 29 million records globally.
Colorado: Tom Hamilton – $100 million

Rockstar Tom Hamilton is the richest musician from Colorado, with a staggering $100 million net worth. He's best known as the bassist and a founding member of the rock band Aerosmith, contributing to some of the band's biggest hits like Dream On and Sweet Emotion.
Aerosmith is one of the most legendary rock bands of all time, having sold 150 million records globally. In 2001, Hamilton and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Washington: Kenny G – $100 million

Washington's wealthiest musician is jazz saxophonist Kenny G, with an estimated net worth of $100 million. He shot to fame in the 1980s with a series of albums blending jazz music with pop, including his best-selling album Breathless, which sold 12 million copies.
The Grammy-winning musician is one of the bestselling instrumental artists of all time, with over 75 million albums sold globally.
West Virginia: Brad Paisley – $120 million

Brad Paisley is the wealthiest musician to hail from West Virginia, with an estimated $120 million fortune. The country star rose to fame with the release of his debut album Who Needs Pictures in 1999, which produced the hit single He Didn't Have You.
Over the course of his impressive career, Paisley has sold 8.7 million albums globally and won three Grammy Awards, solidifying his status as a country music legend.
Arizona: Linda Ronstadt – $130 million

With over 100 million records sold globally and 11 Grammy wins to her name, Linda Ronstadt is a defining figure in American music history. She's also Arizona's richest musician, with an estimated net worth of $130 million.
The versatile songstress became famous in the 1970s with a string of hit albums blending rock, country, and pop. Her biggest hits include Blue Bayou and Different Drum.
Massachusetts: Joe Perry – $140 million

Rock legend Joe Perry is the richest musician to hail from Massachusetts and is worth an estimated $140 million. He's best known as the lead guitarist and founding member of the iconic rock band Aerosmith.
Perry has further boosted his fortune as the frontman of The Joe Perry Project and is also a member of the rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires, which includes Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Duff McKagan.
Louisiana: Lil Wayne – $170 million

Louisiana's wealthiest musician is rapper Lil Wayne, with an estimated net worth of $170 million. After a rocky start to his career with several flop records, he shot to fame with the release of his fourth studio album, Tha Carter, in 2004, which featured hits such as Go DJ and Fireman.
Lil Wayne, undoubtedly one of the most successful rappers of all time, has released 25 albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Indiana: Axl Rose – $200 million

The biggest music star to hail from Indiana is rockstar Axl Rose, with an estimated $200 million net worth. Rose shot to fame as the frontman of the band Guns N' Roses, known for iconic hits like Sweet Child O' Mine and Welcome to the Jungle.
The band's 1987 debut album Appetite for Destruction has sold over 30 million copies to date, while Guns N' Roses has sold over 100 million records worldwide. In 2012, Rose and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Alabama: Lionel Richie – $200 million

Lionel Richie is Alabama's richest music alum, with an estimated net worth of $200 million. The soulful singer rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of the Commodores before launching a successful solo career in the 1980s with hits like Hello and All Night Long.
Richie has sold an impressive 100 million records over the course of his long and lucrative career. His extensive list of achievements includes four Grammys and an Academy Award for his song Say You, Say Me, which featured in the film White Nights.
Florida: Ariana Grande – $230 million

The Sunshine State's richest musician is pop diva Ariana Grande, boasting an estimated net worth of $230 million. Grande began her career on Broadway before rising to fame on Nickelodeon TV shows Victorious and Sam & Cat.
Since the release of her debut album in 2013, Grande has become one of the biggest stars in the world, thanks to chart-topping songs like Problem and Thank U, Next. At just 31, she's already won two Grammy Awards and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her recent role as Glinda in the musical Wicked.
Missouri: Eminem – $250 million

Missouri-born rapper Eminem is the state’s richest musician, with an estimated $250 million fortune. The provocative artist rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his debut studio album, The Slim Shady LP.
With hit songs such as Lose Yourself and Love the Way You Lie, along with over 220 million records sold globally and an incredible 15 Grammy wins, the self-proclaimed Slim Shady is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in hip-hop.
Hawaii: Bette Midler – $250 million

Actress and singer Bette Midler is Hawaii's wealthiest musician, with an estimated net worth of $250 million. Midler rose to fame in 1972 with the release of her debut album, The Divine Miss M, which earned her a Grammy. Today, she boasts a trio of Grammy awards and has sold over 30 million records globally, with hits like Wind Beneath My Wings and The Rose among her biggest hits.
The powerhouse vocalist is also a successful actress, both on stage and screen. Her notable movie roles include Beaches, Hocus Pocus, and The First Wives Club.
Virginia: Pharrell Williams – $250 million

Musician and producer Pharrell Williams is the wealthiest musician from Virginia, with a phenomenal $250 million net worth. One of the most sought-after producers in the business, Williams has crafted some of the world's biggest hits, including Britney Spears' I'm a Slave 4 U and Justin Timberlake's Rock Your Body.
While most of his fortune stems from producing, Williams also boasts an impressive solo career with chart-topping songs like Happy and Frontin’. With 13 Grammy wins under his belt, he's one of the most influential figures in modern music.
Ohio: Dave Grohl – $330 million

Rocker Dave Grohl is the richest music star from Ohio, with an estimated $330 million net worth. Grohl first found fame as the drummer for the grunge band Nirvana. He later founded the rock band Foo Fighters, taking on the role of frontman.
One of the biggest names in the rock genre, the Foo Fighters have sold over 32 million records globally and won an incredible 15 Grammy Awards since the release of their debut album in 1995. The band's biggest hits include Everlong and Best of You, and they even starred in the 2022 horror-comedy film Studio 666.
Oklahoma: Garth Brooks – $350 million

The richest musician to hail from Oklahoma is Garth Brooks. Combined with his wife, fellow country singer Trisha Yearwood, the couple is worth an estimated $400 million. Sources estimate the majority of their net worth stems from Brooks' career, with his individual wealth estimated at up to $350 million.
The two-time Grammy winner is one of the bestselling artists of all time, with over 170 million records sold worldwide since his 1989 debut. Known for blending country with rock and pop elements, his biggest hits include Friends in Low Places and The Dance.
Georgia: Ye – $400 million

Georgia-born rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is the richest musician to hail from the state, with a net worth of $400 million, according to Forbes. His fortune reportedly peaked at an eye-watering $2 billion in 2022, largely fueled by the success of his sneaker brand Yeezy. However, his net worth took a massive hit after controversial behavior and statements led to the severing of lucrative deals, including with Adidas and Balenciaga.
Ye first rose to fame with his 2004 album The College Dropout. His biggest hits include Gold Digger and Stronger. He's sold over 160 million records and won an impressive 24 Grammys.
Tennessee: Dolly Parton – $450 million

The richest musician to hail from Tennessee is "America's Sweetheart" Dolly Parton, who's worth a stellar $450 million, according to Forbes. One of the most successful country artists ever, Parton has sold over 100 million records globally and won 15 Grammy Awards.
Known for hits like I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5, she retains ownership of her catalog of over 3,000 songs, valued at an incredible $150 million. Beyond music, Parton has expanded her fortune with her Dollywood theme park, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Minnesota: Bob Dylan – $500 million

Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is the richest musician from Minnesota, with an estimated net worth of $500 million. Since launching his career in the 1960s, Dylan has sold over 125 million records worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the bestselling artists of all time.
Dylan is also one of the most successful songwriters in history, having penned hits such as Blowin' in the Wind and Mr. Tambourine Man. His works have been covered by over 6,000 musicians, ranging from Guns N’ Roses to Adele.
California: Herb Alpert – $850 million

Jazz musician Herb Alpert is California's richest musician, with an estimated net worth of $850 million. He began his career in the 1960s as the frontman of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Since then, he's achieved significant success, including record sales surpassing 72 million and nine Grammy wins.
In addition to his recording career, Alpert co-founded A&M Records in 1962 with his friend Jerry Moss. The label grew into one of the world's largest, signing iconic artists such as The Police, The Carpenters, and Janet Jackson. In 1989, Alpert and Moss sold A&M Records to PolyGram for $500 million in cash, equivalent to $1.3 billion in today's money.
Michigan: Madonna – $850 million

Madonna is Michigan's richest musician, boasting a staggering fortune of $850 million, according to Forbes. She skyrocketed to fame with the release of her self-titled debut album in 1983, and she's been revolutionizing the music industry ever since, earning her the title the "Queen of Pop."
Over the course of her decade-spanning career, Madonna has sold approximately 400 million records worldwide and earned seven Grammy Awards. Despite being in her mid-60s, the pop diva shows no signs of slowing down, wrapping up her globe-trotting Celebration Tour just last year.
New Jersey: Bruce Springsteen – $1.2 billion

Heartland rocker Bruce Springsteen is New Jersey's wealthiest music star. The singer-songwriter reached billionaire status in 2024 and, according to Forbes, boasts a stunning net worth of $1.2 billion.
Known as "The Boss," Springsteen has sold over 140 million records worldwide since the 1970s. His impressive list of achievements includes 20 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, two Golden Globes, and a Tony. While the 75-year-old star certainly has the means to retire, he's currently on the road with his ongoing global tour.
Texas: Selena Gomez – $1.3 billion

Texas' richest musician is pop star and actress Selena Gomez, with an impressive net worth of $1.3 billion, according to Bloomberg. A former child star, Gomez began her career as an actress on the Disney Channel before making her music debut as the frontwoman of Selena Gomez & the Scene in 2009. She then went solo in 2013 and has since released three studio albums, with a fourth arriving this year.
However, most of Gomez's wealth comes from her business ventures. In 2020, she founded the makeup brand Rare Beauty. A roaring success, the company is valued at $2 billion, according to industry website Business of Fashion.
Pennsylvania: Taylor Swift – $1.6 billion

The richest musician from Pennsylvania is pop sensation Taylor Swift, with an astounding net worth of $1.6 billion, according to Forbes. This staggering sum makes her the world's wealthiest female musician and the second-richest overall.
Since releasing her debut album in 2006, Swift has sold over 200 million records worldwide and won 14 Grammys, cementing her status as one of the planet's biggest stars. Her landmark The Eras Tour, which wrapped up in December 2024, is the highest-grossing tour of all time.
New York: Jay-Z – $2.5 billion

The richest musician to hail from New York is rapper and business mogul Jay-Z, with a colossal $2.5 billion fortune, according to Forbes. This impressive sum also makes him the world’s wealthiest musician.
The hip-hop icon began his career in 1996 with the launch of his Roc-A-Fella label and debut studio album, Reasonable Doubt. Since then, he’s sold over 125 million records worldwide and landed 25 Grammy Awards. Beyond music, Jay-Z profits from a range of business ventures, including a fashion line, beverage brands, and stakes in major companies like Uber and SpaceX.
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