Sony Music buys half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded masters catalogue for $1.2 billion
Michael Jackson
Sony Music Group has finalised an agreement to purchase half of Michael Jackson's publishing and recorded masters catalogue. Sources close to the deal indicate that the valuation of these music assets surpasses $1.2 billion, with some estimates suggesting a figure upwards of $1.5 billion. This historic transaction solidifies Sony's position as a major player in the music rights market.
The agreement, which was closed late last year, represents one of the largest valuations ever recorded for a musician's catalogue. Jackson's catalogue holds an unparalleled legacy in the music industry, encompassing a vast array of iconic songs and compositions. Notably, the deal includes non-Jackson-authored songs from his Mijac publishing catalogue, incorporating works from esteemed artists such as Sly & the Family Stone, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles, Percy Sledge, and Dion.
While the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, it is understood that the agreement covers both publishing and recorded masters catalogue. However, royalties from theatrical productions featuring Jackson's music, such as the Broadway play, are not included in the deal.
Jackson's enduring popularity and the expanding streaming marketplace have contributed to the growing value of his music assets. Recent data indicates a significant increase in sales and streams of Jackson's music, outpacing the overall market growth. With the forthcoming release of a biopic titled "Michael," his fanbase is expected to expand further, driving additional revenue streams to his estate and rights holders.
The masterminds behind Jackson's estate, lawyer John Branca and A&R executive John McClain, are expected to remain involved as co-executors, ensuring the continued success and growth of the music assets.
)
The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK
)
UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view
)
Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations
)
Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador
)
Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club
)
Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war
)
Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce
)
Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked
)
South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz
)
World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train
)
Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit
)
Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test
)
BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit
)
What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?
)
UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years
)
Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey
)
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa
)
Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth
)
Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns
)
Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs
)
Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets
)
FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest
Sony's acquisition of Jackson's music assets adds to its extensive portfolio of music rights. Over the years, Sony has made significant investments in music publishing, including the acquisition of Sony/ATV and EMI Music Publishing.