Since Michael Jackson died in October 2009, he made more money than he was alive. June 2009 at the time of Michael Jackson death estimated net worth was of $500. He was in huge debt at that time due to his luxury lifestyle. After his death, he is earning more than he was alive.
According to Betway Insider his company (Jackson’s estate) is headed by John Branca, his former attorney and music industry executive John McClain – brought in $60m in 2019, taking the King of Pop’s posthumous earnings to an incredible $2.46bn.
Most of Michael Jackson’s earning is from the sale of his EMI Music Publishing stake. Mijac Music catalogue, special Michael Jackson’s Halloween (Animated TV show) on CBS, new Sony record deal brings rest of the earning.
Elvis Presley is the second-highest-paid dead musician he has earned $530m.
An Artist’s popularity immediately rises after their death is not unusual. Within a month of Jackson’s death, his songs were in the top 100 list of UK.
Not only out King of Pop is earning after death: Elvis Presley, Arnold Palmer, Charles Schulz, Bob Marley, Dr. Seuss are also in the list of Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities.
Michael Jackson’s documentary Leaving Neverland was aired on HBO and Channel 4 had also played an important role in his popularity after his death. The documentary is about the stories of two men James Safechuck and Wade Robson who were sexually abused by Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson Estate also sued HBO for $100 million for airing this Documentary. They claim that a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract is violated. The estate also claims that Wade Robson and James Safechuck both are motivated by the money. First-round was won by HBO but in September court was on the side of The Michael Jackson Estate.
Some people believe the documentary and others don’t believe but the documentary had again bought the public interest in Michael Jackson’s life. Since the documentary is aired Michael Jackson’s song have raised in UK iTune chart again.
20% of his money goes to charities for several children rest 40%-40% is divided between his three children and his mother Katherine.
Massarsky says “It’s not the death, it’s the format of the late songwriter”.
People are still interested in The King of Pop and his music, which proves his music was gold. Michael Jackson became the king of pop because of his gold music and he will always be remembered for that.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/after-death-michael-jackson-is-earning-more-than-he-was-alive/