Toby Keith Tops Forbes List as Highest Paid Country Artist

Toby Keith's popularity shows in the numbers. For the second year in a row, the superstar tops Forbes' list of highest paid country artists with a hefty $65 million.

In a world where album sales are dropping, where does Keith cash in big? Several ways, according to Forbes: his own record label, Show Dog - Universal, endorsement deal with Ford, and his restaurant chain (I Love This Bar and Grill) and line of mescal, Wild Shot. In the past six years, the singer has earned $335 million--enough to be set for a lifetime!

Keith was almost knocked from the top spot by country-pop queen Taylor Swift, who just missed out with $64 million. Through endorsement deals with Diet Coke and Keds, album sales, and her top-notch Red Tour that went worldwide, the 24-year-old cashed out big this year, with the largest annual sum she's every acquired.

Also included on the list of country stars are Kenny Chesney who netted $44 million, Jason Aldean with $37 million, Luke Bryan who pocketed $34 million, and Zac Brown Band at No. 6 on the list, earning $29 million.

Keith is no stranger to being touted by Forbes; last year, he covered the Most Powerful Celebrities issue of the magazine and came in at No. 4 on the World's Highest Paid Musicians list, topped by Madonna ($125 million), Lady Gaga, and Bon Jovi.

See Yearbook Photos From Toby Keith and More