One thing is clear at time when recorded-music sales continue to sharply decline,  Touring is where the money is now and how each and every one of the acts on Billboards 2009 Music Moneymakers list secured its spot in the rankings.

A product of the times, Hip hop had an abysmal showing with Lil Wayne scoring the highest at #12 raking in an estimated $57 Million.  Clearly nothing to scoff at but in comparison to Madonna who topped the charts at close to a quarter of “A billie,” Weezie’s accomplishment is looking mad small fry.

Here’s the list:
1. Madonna: $242,176,466
2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766
3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964
4. The Police: $109,976,894
5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237
6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990
7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000
8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160
9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814
10. Coldplay: $62,175,555
11. The Eagles: $61,132,213
12. Lil Wayne: $57,441,334
13. AC/DC: $56,505,296
14. Michael Buble: $50,257,364
15. Miley Cyrus: $48,920,806
16. Taylor Swift: $45,588,730
17. Journey: $44,787,328
18. Billy Joel: $44,581,010
19. Mary J. Blige: $43,472,850
20. Kanye West: $42,552,402

Hitting home the point that touring is key the top five Moneymakers are also the five acts that earned the most on tour, and in the same order scoring the highest on Billboard Boxscore.

Independent artists PAY ATTENTION!  This should serve as a lesson.  Getting a deal, scoring some radio air burn…all of that pales in comparison to being able to pack a venue and tear down the house.  This has always been the cash cow for artists and what the labels that ARE hiring are looking for.  If you can’t come with your own following, no matter how crispy your flow or your music is, you’re not sniffing a deal, especially in this economy.  Sorry…I’ll get off my soapbox.