Forbes recently released their list of Top Earning Dead Celebrities in 2012. Who would you have predicted to be at the top? It was Elizabeth Taylor, which may seem slightly unexpected, but her art and jewelry collection was auctioned off for $184 million this year. In at number two was Michael Jackson who, according to Forbes, “has earned more than any single living artists since his death.”
It makes sense that when someone leaves this earth there is potential to become fascinated with them. In addition to being a fan of an artist, there can be something very intriguing about discovering more about the lives of people that will no longer be interviewed, post their thoughts or create new art. You can delve farther into their contributions to the world, and that process can really create a strong connection to them, their life and stories. Then again, maybe you’re just a huge fan, and always will be.
Are you fascinated with any celebrities or musicians who are no longer with us?
Were you a fan while they were alive?
Do you simply admire them, or do you collect memoribilla?
Travel to specific destinations where they once worked/lived/ate?
Post your comments on the blog or tweet @CBCRadio3
I’ve travelled to Tennessee to not only see Elvis’ Graceland (and eat a fried peanut butter banana sandwich), but to go to the memorial at the site of the plane crash that killed Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Randy Hughes. I’ve cooked recipes from the Dead Celebrity Cookbook (how can you not try Liberace’s Sticky Buns, seriously.)