Music’s Top Money Makers

We all love lists.  Top songs, top hotties, and top movies.  "Billboard Magazine" has published their "Top Money Makers" of 2011.  Lady Gaga was at the top of the list, but you will find some of your favorite country artists among the top earners.  On the top of this list, and many others for that matter, is Taylor Swift.

The 21-year-old singer/songwriter's career sales now exceed 19 million albums and 33 million song downloads, making her the top-selling digital artist in history. Also a top concert draw, Swift racked up U.S. tour grosses of $30.8 million, netting her $10.4 million. She will spend most of 2011 on tour in support of "Speak Now," kicking off a 90-city trek on Feb. 9 in Singapore that will take her to 19 countries.

Lists like this can show the definite relation between popularity and success.  If you browse the list, you'll be happy to see some of your favorites from the 80's still showing up strong as well.  Check out the complete "Music's Top 40 Money Makers 2011" list at Billboard.com.