Who’s Making All The Money?

I've always been kind of a statistics freak. I like box scores and lap times and latest population estimates. I noticed (according to CMT Country Music News) Billboard has released their list of Music’s Top 40 Money Makers in 2011 and 11 of those acts are country artists. Now, I know this seems like a bit of an 'art contest', which I don't believe in. I don't think you can determine by any means whose 'art' is best, whether it be music, painting, writing, dancing, or any other form of art you can think of.

But, while Billboard keeps their formula for coming up with the list a secret, I do know that the rankings are based on U.S. recorded-music sales, touring revenue, and even their estimated net take-home pay is closely examined. With all of this in mind, Lady Gaga topped the list overall making close to 30.6 million last year.

For country artists, Taylor Swift took home the most with 20.7 million, ranking #6 overall on the list. Check out the lists below. I think you'll recognize several names you hear every day on KIXS 108.

MUSIC’S TOP 10 MONEY MAKERS 1) Lady Gaga - $30.6 mil.2) Bon Jovi - $30.4 mil.3) Roger Waters - $24.5 mil.

4) Dave Matthews Band - $23.9 mil.

5) Justin Bieber – $22.5 mil.

6) Taylor Swift - $20.7 mil.

7) Michael Buble - $19.8 mil.

8) Eagles - $18.3 mil.

9) The Black Eyed Peas - $16.8 mil.

10) Paul McCartney - $14.2 mil.

COUNTRY ACTS ON THE LIST 6) Taylor Swift - $20.7 mil.12) Brad Paisley - $14 mil.13) Carrie Underwood - $13.5 mil.

14) Tim McGraw - $13.5 mil.

16) Rascal Flatts - $12 mil.

21) Toby Keith - $9.9 mil.