Madonna Tops 2009 Music Money Makers List with $242 Million

The music biz may be bruised by online downloads and low CD sales but touring certainly does line a musician's pocket -- for instance, Madonna made a record $242 million income in 2008.

Billboard released their Moneymakers list and it found all the top 20 artists in the list have toured in 2008. They make more money through touring than selling their music electronically or through CDs. The material girl Madonna tops the list with $242,176,466 earning in 2008. The bulk of the earnings came from her tours. Her album, Hard Candy, was only the 50th best-selling album and she ranked 14th on digital downloads list. Madonna was able to compensate with her popular and successful tour in 2008. Others in the list are: 2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766 3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964 4. The Police: $109,976,894 5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237 6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990 7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000 8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160 9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814 10. Coldplay: $62,175,555 11. The Eagles: $61,132,213 12. Lil Wayne: $57,441,334 13. AC/DC: $56,505,296 14. Michael Buble: $50,257,364 15. Miley Cyrus: $48,920,806 16. Taylor Swift: $45,588,730 17. Journey: $44,787,328 18. Billy Joel: $44,581,010 19. Mary J. Blige: $43,472,850 20. Kanye West: $42,552,402