$4.5 Billion Keeps Walton Richest in U.S.

There are Du Ponts and Rockefellers, and even a Perdue. But the annual Forbes magazine list of the wealthiest people in America is topped by an Arkansas retailer who is proof that the rich do get richer.

Sam Moore Walton, 68, founder of the Wal-Mart discount stores, has more money than any other American, according to the annual “Forbes 400.” His $4.5 billion is impressive. Last year, when he also topped the list, he had a paltry $2.8 billion.

He’s not alone. There were 25 other billionaires, up from 14 last year.

The list, which will appear in the Oct. 27 issue of Forbes, also includes some famous newcomers, including a former talk show host, an ageless rock ‘n’ roll cheerleader, a clothing designer and a chicken king.

Two men tied as the second-richest Americans. John Kluge of Charlottesville, Va., and H. Ross Perot of Dallas are worth $2.5 billion, according to the magazine. Kluge sold his Metromedia assets to jump from 10th place, while Perot, who sold his holdings in Electronic Data Systems to General Motors in 1984, was runner-up last year.

It took at least $180 million to make this year’s list, up from $150 million last year.

Television producer and former talk show host Merv Griffin was listed at $235 million. Dick Clark, also a television producer and host of “American Bandstand,” is worth $180 million. Ralph Lauren was listed at $300 million. And Frank Perdue’s chicken empire brought him $200 million.

Other Hollywood newcomers to the list were TV producers Aaron Spelling at $235 million and Mark Goodson at $300 million. Motown Records’ Berry Gordy, the second black to make the list, is worth $180 million.

John Harold Johnson, a Chicago publisher, was the first black included in the Forbes 400. He has an estimated net worth of $185 million.

Malcolm Forbes was rich enough to make his fifth annual list, but once again he declined to say how much he’s worth.

Among the new billionaires on the list are Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox Chambers, whose empire includes the Cox Enterprises group of newspapers and broadcast stations, and even extends to the TV program, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”

Over 5% of the list represents Du Pont money, and another 5% is held by Mellons and Rockefellers.