Elvis Presley Earnings: How Much Would The King Be Worth Today?

Elvis Presley stars in 1966 trailer for Frankie and Johnny

Elvis Presley is the best-selling solo artist of all time, having broken a number of records with his work. He holds the records for the most Number One albums by a solo artist and the most Number One singles by any artist on the UK charts, showing how popular his work was and still is. While many may assume this would lead to substantial wealth, the real picture of Elvis Presley’s estate is a little more surprising.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

• 1980s lyrics quiz: Can you complete the lyrics in these 80s hits?
• Eurovision performances: The 5 best and worst UK entries

How much would The King be worth today?

Elvis Presley would today be worth far more than when he died, despite not being able to tour or do live performances.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Generally speaking, touring is one of the most lucrative ways in which celebrities earn.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

However, in the case of Elvis, he had spent a great deal of his wealth in his lifetime, meaning he is actually worth more now than before his death.

READ MORE:  Eurovision performances: The 5 best and worst UK entries

Elvis Presley - how much would he be worth today? (Image: Getty)

Elvis with Priscilla and Tom Jones (Image: Getty)

• Glastonbury 2021: Is Glastonbury Festival back on? Can I get tickets?

When Elvis died, he had a net worth of $5million (£3.5million), which -accounting for inflation - would be around $21million (£15million) now.

This was partly due to his lavish lifestyle, where he would have hotel rooms remodelled to look like the interior of his home, Graceland, and would pay for his friends in the Memphis Mafia to live it large.

As well as this, he also had to pay his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, a great deal in a settlement, as well as giving her five percent of his publishing rights, which were substantial.

According to Forbes, Elvis’ net worth in 2020 was $23million (£16.2million), which is more than when he was alive in 1977.

Elvis Presley (Image: Getty)

In fact, in Forbes annual list of high-earning dead celebrities, Elvis often appears near the top of the list along with fellow star Michael Jackson.

In 2019, Elvis earned $39million (£30.5million) from beyond the grave, which is around the amount he makes every year, meaning his net worth increases annually.

In 2020, Elvis was named the fifth-highest earning celebrity in 2020, and brings in around $10million (£7million) every year from tourists visiting Graceland.

Elvis had the potential to be earning even more during his lifetime and posthumously, however some dodgy dealings with his manager Colonel Tom Parker meant there were some missed opportunities.

DON'T MISSThe Human Voice: A short film where Tilda Swinton packs a punch [REVIEW]ABBA songs quiz questions and answers: How much do you know? [QUIZ]Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney relationship: Are they friends? [INSIGHT]

Lisa Marie Presley (Image: Getty)

• Elton John quiz questions and answers: How much do you know?

In March 1973, Colonel Tom and Elvis sought a lump sum in lieu of all future artist’s royalties for anything recorded up to that time from Elvis’ record label, RCA.

By this time Elvis had quite the back catalogue, meaning this would have earned The King a huge amount of money if he had held on to it.

The deal was done and RCA paid Elvis and Colonel Tom $5.4million (£4.2million) for the artist royalties, which was then split equally between the two men.

$5.4million would be $31,512,240 in today’s money, which would be £24,250,716.98.

The day's biggest headlines in UK and World news Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Elvis did maintain the artist royalties on recordings made after March 1973, which still earn the estate substantial amounts.

Despite this potential loss of earnings, Elvis did hold on to most of his publishing rights, which he earned on more than 100 songs.

However, due to copyright laws, these are likely to expire in the not too distant future, meaning there will no longer be a source of income for the estate.

Elvis’ estate was inherited by his daughter, Lisa Marie, though it was first managed by his father, grandmother and ex-wife until Lisa Marie was old enough.

The estate was held as Elvis Presley Enterprises, though Lisa Marie sold 85 percent of the estate’s business holdings in 2005.

Despite this, Lisa Marie still owns Graceland itself and all of the property within it.

Elvis Presley Graceland Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments Most Read Most Commented Latest videos Plants will grow stronger and 'packed with nutrients' if gardeners do simple task BBC The Traitors viewers say 'good riddance' as player leaves show Is Unlocked: A Jail Experiment on Netflix real? The Traitors star forced to leave BBC show in 'savage' move Jeremy Clarkson blown away by 'remarkable' win after player 'knows nothing' Elvis ex ‘erased from biopic’ pays emotional tribute to King on his birthday Elvis 91st birthday ceremony livestream gets tearful with Lisa Marie tribute Take That tour tickets drop to around £60 for new year's Circus shows 'I worked with John Lennon - he showed his true colours with one gesture' Death of Brigitte Bardot means just 3 people mentioned in iconic 80s 'banger' remain alive My Chemical Romance to Westlife - Our most anticipated gigs and concerts of 2026 Elvis ex Linda Thompson praises King’s Christmas generosity as shares couple snaps Brits crown Top 15 worst Christmas No 1s from Cliff Richard to LadBaby Brian May launches new Christmas music video with X Factor legend ‘It almost killed us!’ If you can guess these five songs from just one line then you’re a musical master Jimmy Eat World tickets can still be bought from certain websites Alanis Morissette and how to get tickets after general onsale for summer concerts Black Stone Cherry tickets and how to attend An Evening With gigs Don Broco mark bold new chapter with adrenaline-charged set at London's OVO Arena 'World's happiest Christmas car playlist' revealed - using a scientific formula Evanescence arena tour includes incredible support acts and tickets are out now Ozzy Osbourne fans are just finding out surprise 'obsession' late star had Hot Milk bring their ruthless energy and cheeky antics to London's Roundhouse Jimmy Eat World tickets for Bleed American tour and how to get presale access Biffy Clyro tickets for Finsbury Park and where to buy now Queen launch Freddie Mercury Bohemian Rhapsody 360 experience video New Beatles documentary announced with Conan O’Brien and The Rest Is History

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks