Kurt Cobain Tops Forbes "Rich Dead" List

The late Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain has swept past Elvis Presley to top the rich list for dead celebrities.

Cobain, the grunge rock icon who killed himself aged 27, earned $50 million from beyond the grave over the past year, US business website Forbes.com said.

Despite having died 12 years ago, the Seattle star's hugely influential records continue to sell.

His place at the top is mainly due to Cobain's widow Courtney Love selling a 25 per cent stake in his song catalogue last year.

During the last years of his life, Cobain battled drug addiction and the media pressures surrounding him and his wife Courtney Love. On April 8, 1994, Cobain's body was found in his home. His death was officially ruled a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, the unusual circumstances of his death fueled much analysis and debate.

Elvis has held the number one spot for the past four years but between 2005-2006 he made only $42 million.

Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts cartoon strip, is third followed by former Beatle John Lennon, new entry Albert Einstein and artist Andy Warhol.

Making up the top ten is Theodor `Dr Seuss' Geisel, singer Ray Charles, actress Marilyn Monroe and country legend Johnny Cash.

Beatle George Harrison and reggae star Bob Marley are just outside the top 10.