Michael Jackson has been crowned the top-earning dead celebrity by Forbes magazine.

The singer's estate earned $275million last year following a renewed interest in his music after his sudden death in June.

Jackson's album sales and radio airplay accumulated $50m, while the This Is It movie earned $60million.

The Jackson estate's earnings earned more than the next twelve dead celebrities on the list combined.

"Jackson's spot atop our top earning dead celebrities list should come as no surprise given the renewed interest," Forbes writer Lacey Rose said.

Elvis Presley was the second biggest dead-earner with $60million, while former Beatles star John Lennon accumulated $17million.

(by Jason Gregory)