CMT News

Kenny Chesney placed ninth in Billboard's fourth annual list of music's Top 40 earners in 2009. His take was estimated at $26,581,141, according to the industry publication. Other country artists on the list are Rascal Flatts at No. 19 ($17,996,964), Taylor Swift at No. 21 ($17,204,646), Brad Paisley at No. 27 ($14,299,322), Keith Urban at No. 28 ($14,075,581) and Toby Keith at No. 33 ($11,941,345). The rankings are based on the artist's share of revenue from touring, album and digital sales, streaming and music publishing, among other factors. However, the tally does not include merchandise revenue, sponsorships or songwriter performance royalties.