Don McLean Highest-Paid Singer in the World

  • By Carol Kearney
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Don McLean
Don McLean led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid singers” released on Wednesday.
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It's been a rough year for the singer, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 80-year-old Don McLean has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid singers for 2026 with an estimated $58 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 17/09/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Don McLean tops annual list of highest-paid singers

In 2024 it looked like the singer’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, he was back on top. People With Money reports on Wednesday (September 16) that McLean is the highest-paid singer in the world, pulling in an astonishing $58 million between August 2025 and August 2026, a nearly $30 million lead over his closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The American singer-songwriter has an estimated net worth of $185 million. He owes his fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. He also owns several restaurants (the “Fat McLean Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “New Rochelle Angels”), has launched his own brand of Vodka (Pure WondermcLean - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Don) and a fashion line called “Don McLean Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Don fans, who have been waiting for his triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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