Michael Jackson, the only dead artist earning billions since death
Micheal Jackson died 10 years ago but remain the highest-paid dead artist ever. In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about the dead artist earning billions since his death in 2009.
The King of Pop has his name resurfaced in the wake of the new documentary film Leaving Neverland, is still putting his name to new products and earning royalties to the tune of £150million a year.
No doubt, since the last 10 years, there have been controversies about his death, life, interactions, estate, music and even his wealth. Regarding the controversies, it is really difficult to judge as the man is no more to defend himself.
While he was alive, Michael Jackson was one of the richest musicians and as the case may be, the dead man hasn’t stopped earning to date. Since he died in 2009, Michael has amassed a whopping over 2 billion dollars (around N1.06 Trillion).
In 2020, Forbes announced that Micheal Jackson is the highest-paid dead artist among the crew of 13. The 2019 release of the damning documentary Leaving Neverland didn’t cost the King of Pop his crown. Jackson’s Mijac Music catalogue, which includes tunes by Elvis and Aretha Franklin, and a long-term deal with Sony, account for more than 70% of his earnings.
Michael Jackson, the only dead artist earning billions since death
However, before his death, the music legend was millions of dollars in debt with a net worth of $500. According to William R. Ackerman, a forensic accountant, Jackson was spending thousands of dollars more than he was making. While alive he spent more on luxury, jewellery.
According to Business Insider, Ackerman, who testified in a 2013 case involving the singer, said Jackson was making $30 million-a-year payments toward his debt at the time of his death, according to Newsweek. But Ackerman said he was simultaneously spending lavishly on things like jewellery.
Micheal Jackson has been topping the list of highest-paid dead artists ever, 8 times in a row. Jackson’s estate – headed by his former attorney, John Branca, and music industry executive John McClain – brought in $60m in 2019, taking the King of Pop’s posthumous earnings to an incredible $2.46bn
In comparison, Elvis Presley – the second-highest-paid musician over that period – has earned $530m. Much of Jackson’s earnings in death have come from the sales of his stakes in two enormous music publishers.
Nevertheless, this shows humanity is still interested in Micheal Jackson’s music, which further proves his music was gold. The King of Pop became the king of pop because of his gold music and he will always be remembered for that.
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