Smart Business: 10 Most Notable Country Music Entrepreneurs
Country music is a bigger business than ever before, but it's not the only source of income for country music's biggest entrepreneurs.
Perennial top touring acts like Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and Toby Keith can really rake in big money these days, between tickets sales in huge arenas and merchandise sales. But these money-savvy musicians are also among the country stars who have diversified into other areas of business.
Hot streaks end, and yesterday's country stars become tomorrow's casino acts or end up playing the fair circuit. We've seen many country stars come and go and end up with little to show for it, but don't expect to see any of these country music entrepreneurs singing the blues when their time at the top is over.
From food and drink lines to clothing and gear, promotional campaigns, TV and book deals and more, some of your favorite country stars have got the business sense to get themselves set up in lucrative second careers that, in some cases, might even pay better than their music. A country music icon has perhaps the most unusual sideline, but can you guess which superstar is country music's most successful entrepreneur?