KEY POINTS:
Elvis Presley is dead but his earning power still reigns.
The so-called King of Rock 'n' Roll, one of the world's most popular entertainers, died 30 years ago at age 42 yet continues to make around US$40 million ($53.61 million) a year.
Here are some details:
* Elvis starred in 33 films, made history with his television appearances and specials and starred in many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas.
* Globally, he sold over 1 billion records, more than any other artist.
* His American sales earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist.
* Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (three wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award received at age 36.
* In 2006 Elvis was pushed from top slot to come second in the annual Forbes' list of top incomes among dead celebrities, losing out to Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, with estimated annual income of $42 million from marketing and product licensing.
* In late 2004, impresario Robert F.X. Sillerman agreed to buy 85 per cent of Presley's estate, including rights to the singer's name and management of his home Graceland, in a deal worth US$100 million. Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie owns the other 15 per cent.
* Since opening in 1982, Graceland has developed into a travel destination, visited by about 600,000 people a year, and earned about US$27 million in 2006.
Sources: Reuters/www.elvis.com/www.rollingstone.com
- REUTERS
