Forbes Values Paul McCartney’s Net Worth at $1.4 Billion

Forbes estimates that Paul McCartney has a net worth of about $1.4 billion, making him the world’s third-richest musician behind Jay-Z and Taylor Swift. The valuation, reported in a Forbes newsletter, places Jay-Z at $2.8 billion and Swift at $2 billion.

The estimate is not a public accounting of McCartney’s assets. Reports said McCartney did not comment on the figure, which is based on Forbes’ assessment of his music rights, publishing business, touring income, property and art collection.

Forbes attributes much of McCartney’s estimated fortune to MPL Communications, the publishing company he founded in 1969. The company controls his solo catalog and music rights acquired from other artists, as well as musical scores and Christmas standards. Forbes estimates MPL’s non-Beatles music rights are worth roughly $250 million.

The publishing rights generate income from songs and works used in recordings and performances. Among the examples cited are Buddy Holly’s catalog, the song “Blue Suede Shoes” and the musical “Grease.” Forbes also includes royalties from Christmas songs such as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

The estimate also counts McCartney’s share of...