Paul McCartney becomes a billionaire at US$1.4bn, ranks as world's third-richest musician – Forbes

Former Beatle Paul McCartney has become a billionaire, with a net worth of US$1.4 billion according to *Forbes*. The 84-year-old British musician is now the world's third-richest performer, trailing American rapper Jay-Z and pop star Taylor Swift. McCartney's wealth primarily comes from his publishing company, MPL Communications, which he founded in 1969 to manage his intellectual property.

Over the years, MPL has amassed a significant portfolio of copyrights, including the catalogues of Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, and Broadway musicals *Grease* and *Annie*, as well as popular Christmas songs like *It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas*. As a surviving Beatle alongside Ringo Starr, McCartney earns 25% of Apple Corps' earnings, which amount to approximately US$50 million annually from streaming, vinyl, and merchandise sales.

After decades of legal battles to reclaim music royalties, McCartney's share of the Beatles songwriting copyrights is valued at US$200 million and generates around US$10 million per year. In addition to his financial success, McCartney remains active in his eighties, releasing new music and performing at prestigious venues such as Madison Square Garden.