PAUL MCCARTNEY’S FORTUNE REACHES $1.4BN AFTER DECADES IN MUSIC

Former Beatles star Paul McCartney has an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion, placing him third among the world’s richest musicians, according to a new wealth assessment.

The 84-year-old singer-songwriter built his wealth through songwriting, music publishing, royalties, international tours and property investments.

A major contributor is MPL Communications, the publishing company he founded in 1969, shortly before The Beatles split.

The company owns rights to thousands of songs, including works by Buddy Holly, Broadway scores and popular Christmas recordings. Its catalogue is estimated to be worth at least $250 million and generates tens of millions of dollars in annual royalties.

McCartney also receives income through The Beatles’ Apple Corps company, which earns money from streaming, record sales and merchandise.

He, Ringo Starr and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison each receive a quarter of the company’s income, according to the assessment.

His fortune also includes properties in Britain and the United States, alongside an art collection featuring works by Pablo Picasso and René Magritte.

The financial success contrasts with The Beatles’ early recording agreement, under which the group reportedly earned less than one US cent for each album sold.

McCartney later established his publishing business to gain greater control over music rights and future earnings.

Reflecting on that early deal in 2017, he described it as “basically a slave contract,” saying the band did not receive a raise despite its enormous success.