Paul McCartney achieves billionaire status, becomes world’s third-richest musician

(CNN) — Paul McCartney reached the realm of billionaire status Monday after Forbes valued his net worth at a colossal $1.4 billion – making him the world’s third-richest musician. McCartney’s wealth ranks behind his friend Taylor Swift ($2 billion), with whom he performed The Beatles’ first US number 1 “I Want To Hold Your Hand” during the pop performer’s star-studded wedding to Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in July. Jay-Z topped Forbes’ revered chart at $2.8 billion. Forbes credits McCartney’s ascension to the number three spot to a lifetime of prolific song writing, a series of savvy business moves and an impressive art collection. But the 84-year-old rocker’s beginnings were humble, growing up in a working class household in Liverpool, northwest England. Despite The Beatles’ phenomenal success, the Fab Four saw little of the cash their hard work generated at the height of Beatlemania – Forbes reported that their initial record deal provided them with less than