Billboard’s 2026 Top Business Managers Revealed

Billboard has unveiled its 2026 roster of top business managers, comprising professionals who handle complex tasks for their clients, including auditing streaming royalties, concert tour negotiations, branding deal construction, and music catalog purchases. This group also handles more traditional responsibilities such as budgeting, tax filings, and investment guidance.

The importance of estate planning was brought to the forefront following the passing of Dolly Parton, whose death sparked a family dispute over her estate, with her estate seeking a restraining order against a relative accused of attempting to extort money from it.

Estate attorney Scott Rahn cautioned that while meticulous planning can prevent such disputes, it cannot ensure everyone's agreement. In the age of artificial intelligence, intellectual property management has gained increased significance. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently ruled that AI training is not protected under fair use, affirming a lower court's decision in favor of Thomson Reuters.

This decision affects the music industry, where companies and publishers have sued AI services for training on their copyrighted works. Experts emphasize the importance of owning intellectual property to maintain control over its usage, especially in the context of rapidly evolving technology.