When <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Fzackomalleygreenburg%2F2014%2F07%2F28%2Fthe-worlds-highest-paid-country-musicians-2014%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Forbes magazine revealed the biggest earners in country music</a> in July, the publication called Miranda Lambert a "near miss" from its list. With the number of CMA Awards nominations Lambert just picked up, we expect to see her name among these well-paid crooners any day now:
Country music's biggest earners —
When Forbes magazine revealed the biggest earners in country music in July, the publication called Miranda Lambert a "near miss" from its list. With the number of CMA Awards nominations Lambert just picked up, we expect to see her name among these well-paid crooners any day now:
Rick Diamond/Getty Images for 2014 Festival Productions Inc./File
Toby Keith topped the Forbes <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Fzackomalleygreenburg%2F2014%2F07%2F28%2Fthe-worlds-highest-paid-country-musicians-2014%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">list of highest-earning country stars of 2013.</a> The singer, whose 2013 album was "Drinks After Work," made $65 million last year -- much of it from business interests such as a chain of restaurants.
Country music's biggest earners —
Toby Keith topped the Forbes list of highest-earning country stars of 2013. The singer, whose 2013 album was "Drinks After Work," made $65 million last year -- much of it from business interests such as a chain of restaurants.
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Taylor Swift remained one of the world's biggest stars in any genre in 2013. Forbes estimates her take last year at $64 million, thanks in part to a lucrative tour and a number of endorsements.
Country music's biggest earners —
Taylor Swift remained one of the world's biggest stars in any genre in 2013. Forbes estimates her take last year at $64 million, thanks in part to a lucrative tour and a number of endorsements.
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Kenny Chesney made $44 million last year, thanks to a No. 1 album -- "Life on a Rock" -- and a tour. His new album, "The Big Revival," is due out in September.
Country music's biggest earners —
Kenny Chesney made $44 million last year, thanks to a No. 1 album -- "Life on a Rock" -- and a tour. His new album, "The Big Revival," is due out in September.
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It hasn't taken long for Jason Aldean to croon his way into country's top earners. Last year, he made $37 million, according to Forbes.
Country music's biggest earners —
It hasn't taken long for Jason Aldean to croon his way into country's top earners. Last year, he made $37 million, according to Forbes.
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Luke Bryan's multimillion-selling album, "Crash My Party," helped him earn a pile of money in 2013: $34 million, by Forbes' reckoning.
Country music's biggest earners —
Luke Bryan's multimillion-selling album, "Crash My Party," helped him earn a pile of money in 2013: $34 million, by Forbes' reckoning.
Rick Diamond/Getty Images
The Zac Brown Band is known for relentless touring, which has helped the group build up a solid core of fans. Last year, they made $29 million.
Country music's biggest earners —
The Zac Brown Band is known for relentless touring, which has helped the group build up a solid core of fans. Last year, they made $29 million.
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Keith Urban isn't just making his money from recording and touring. He's also served as a judge on "American Idol." His 2013 tally: $28 million.
Country music's biggest earners —
Keith Urban isn't just making his money from recording and touring. He's also served as a judge on "American Idol." His 2013 tally: $28 million.
Christopher Polk/Getty Image
Rascal Flatts remains one of the biggest draws in country music. In 2013, the band made $27 million.
Country music's biggest earners —
Rascal Flatts remains one of the biggest draws in country music. In 2013, the band made $27 million.
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At 62, George Strait has been impressing listeners for more than 30 years, but the announcement that he was giving up touring led to record ticket sales. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2014%2F04%2F07%2Fshowbiz%2Fmusic%2Facm-awards-2014-miranda-lambert-rs%2F">The 2013 CMA Entertainer of the Year</a> made $26 million last year.
Country music's biggest earners —
At 62, George Strait has been impressing listeners for more than 30 years, but the announcement that he was giving up touring led to record ticket sales. The 2013 CMA Entertainer of the Year made $26 million last year.
Cooper Neill/Getty Images for George Strait
Florida Georgia Line had 2013's biggest country single, "Cruise." The duo made $24 million.
Country music's biggest earners —
Florida Georgia Line had 2013's biggest country single, "Cruise." The duo made $24 million.
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