Sir Paul is laughing all the way to the bank
The former Beatle has amassed a fortune of £1.1bn, the Sunday Express's "Rich List" for 2002 says.
McCartney has seen his bank balance increase thanks in part to the hugely successful Beatles compilation album One.
His fortune lifts him to the 11th richest person in the country - motor racing tycoon Bernie Ecclestone is number one with a reported £3.2bn.
McCartney has also been helped by a £200m inheritance from his late wife Linda.
His company MPL Collections owns the copyright to more than 25,000 songs.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling, aged just 36, saw her earnings almost treble to £160m in 2001 and is rated Britain's 157th richest person.
The film of her first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, released late last year, has broken box-office records worldwide.
David Bowie is named as the second richest in showbusiness with a fortune of £510m.
The singer has a huge back catalogue of songs which still remain popular.
Sir Elton John is reported to have lost £40m of his fortune, but he is still laughing all the way to the bank with £450m saved up.
Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber had a poor 2001, thanks in part to the downturn in theatre ticket sales after 11 September.
But the musicals songwriter can still look forward to spending his £310m.
Singers round out the top 10 with Mick Jagger (£300m), Tom Jones (£270m), Keith Richards (£250m), George Michael (£210m), Sting (£190m) and Phil Collins (£180m) still keeping their bank managers happy.
Comedian Jasper Carrot is in 18th place in the showbusiness tables with £100m.
He made his fortune thanks to his investment in the company behind Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
Sir Sean Connery is the top actor, in 19th place, with £95m.