Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, wasn’t just a musical genius—he was a savvy businessman who made groundbreaking moves in the music industry. Beyond selling hundreds of millions of albums and captivating audiences worldwide, Jackson ventured into music publishing, acquiring valuable song catalogs that would generate immense wealth for decades. Let’s dive into the incredible story of the music catalogs he owned and their current status.

The Beatles Catalog: A Game-Changer

It all began in the early 1980s when Michael Jackson collaborated with Paul McCartney. During their time together, McCartney shared insights into the lucrative business of acquiring publishing rights to music. Inspired by this conversation, Jackson took action when the opportunity arose.

In 1985, the publishing rights to The Beatles’ catalog—containing over 250 songs—were up for sale. Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, wanted to reclaim ownership, but Jackson outbid them with an offer of $47.5 million. This move strained McCartney and Jackson’s friendship, but it was a brilliant business decision. Over time, the value of The Beatles’ catalog skyrocketed to over $1 billion.

The Sony Partnership and Later Sales

A decade after acquiring the ATV catalog, Jackson sold 50% of it to Sony for $110 million, creating Sony/ATV Music Publishing. This partnership allowed him to continue profiting from The Beatles’ catalog and thousands of other songs. By 2016, the Jackson estate sold the remaining 50% stake to Sony for a staggering $750 million, marking one of the biggest deals in music history.

Michael Jackson and Eminem: A Unique Turn of Events

In 2004, Eminem released the song “Just Lose It,” which mocked Michael Jackson. Though Eminem later apologized, Jackson had a different way of responding. In 2007, Jackson’s company, Sony/ATV, acquired Famous Music for $370 million—securing ownership of Eminem’s music catalog along with other artists like Shakira and Akon. This meant that every time Eminem’s songs were played, Jackson benefited financially. Eventually, in 2016, Eminem regained control of his catalog.

Expanding His Music Empire

Beyond The Beatles and Eminem, Jackson acquired numerous other music catalogs. His acquisitions included songs from artists like Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Curtis Mayfield, and even a portion of Elvis Presley’s music. Through his own publishing company, Mijac Music, Jackson continued to build an empire that would sustain his legacy long after his passing.

The Value of Michael Jackson’s Own Catalog

While Jackson sold many catalogs over the years, he never parted with his own music. His songs, including hits like “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Smooth Criminal,” remained under his Mijac Music publishing company. However, in 2024, Sony made another historic move—purchasing 50% of Jackson’s music rights for an estimated $600 million to $750 million, valuing his catalog at over $1.2 billion.

The Debate Over Selling His Catalog

Some fans have expressed concerns over the sale of Jackson’s catalog to Sony, given his strained relationship with the company in the early 2000s. While selling 50% ensures financial security for his estate, some believe that selling his entire catalog in the future would go against his legacy. With Jackson’s biopic set for release in 2025, his music catalog is expected to increase in value even further.

Conclusion

Michael Jackson’s investments in music publishing proved to be as legendary as his career. From acquiring The Beatles’ catalog to outmaneuvering Eminem and securing rights to thousands of songs, his business acumen was remarkable. His estate has earned over $700 million from catalogs he once owned, but his personal collection remains a goldmine. The question remains—should the estate hold on to Jackson’s catalog for future royalties, or is a massive payout the smarter move? Either way, his impact on the music business is undeniable, cementing his legacy as not just the King of Pop, but also a visionary businessman.