When Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50 in 2009, the rumor mill on major media outlets spread the narrative that the King of Pop was in so much debt he practically died broke. In reality, Jackson’s collection of music publishing told a different story.
His Mijac Music catalog alone consists of songs from Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Sly and the Family Stone, and others, along with chart-toppers, such as “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “Love Train” and “When A Man Loves A Woman.” This is in addition to songs from his own record-breaking albums.
Sony Music Group will acquire a 50% majority stake in Jackson’s entire catalog for an estimated $600 million. Jackson’s catalog is said to be valued at a $1.2 billion floor and upward $1.5 billion, according to Billboard. Primary Wave Music will maintain a 10% stake, as reported by Variety. Sony Music’s purchase makes this the largest deal in music publishing acquisition from a solo recording artist in history, so far.
Michael Jackson’s Impact
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In addition to Jackson’s Mijac Music publishing catalog, the deal will include his recorded masters and publishing catalog and merchandise from plays, excluding royalties from theatrical and Broadway productions featuring his music.
In 2023, Jackson’s catalog in its entirety was estimated to incur about $75 million per year by Billboard, with more than $40 million coming from Jackson’s music alone, making it possible for Sony Music to recoup in eight years or less as the “Billie Jean” singer’s discography is made accessible across global streaming services.
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It helps that an Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic on the legendary global superstar titled Michael is heading to theaters worldwide on April 18, 2025. Jaafar Jackson, Jackson’s nephew will play the role of the icon in the film written by John Logan (The Aviator). The film production is helmed by Lionsgate and Universal International, and co-produced by Graham King (Queen) and executors of Jackson’s estate, attorney John Branca and executive John McClain.
Sony’s acquisition of Jackson’s assets dates back to 2016 when the company closed a $750 million deal to buyout the 50% stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a joint venture, held by Jackson’s estate. Another 25.1% stake from Jackson’s holdings were acquired for $287.5 million in Sony’s $2.3 billion purchase of EMI Music Publishing.
Michael Jackson Speaks On Major Labels
