That’s bad! Michael Jackson’s songs “flogged on the cheap”

If the deal goes ahead it will be the biggest sale of a music catalogue in history, but critics say his music is worth twice that amount

RECORD BREAKER: Michael Jackson (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)

THE MICHAEL Jackson estate is selling half of the late King of Pop’s music catalogue for a record £744 million, but critics say it should have gone for more than twice that amount.

According to Variety, the full details are still unclear, but the sale is expected to be in the $800 (£661) million – $900 (£744) million range.

If the deal is to go through it would be the biggest to date.

Despite the eye-watering numbers being linked to the sale, some music experts believe Jackson’s music is worth much more.

Responding to the news on Twitter, editor and DJ, Funk Butcher wrote: “WOW!! I would have at least put his catalogue at 2billion.”

The media outlet’s sources say that entertainment company Sony and another potential financial partner negotiating 50% of the estates assets in Mr Jackson’s recorded-music revenues, publishing, the “MJ: The Musical” Broadway play and the highly-anticipated biopic “Michael” and other assets.

The news of the sale comes as it was announced last month Mr Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will star as the late King of Pop in the new biopic – which is being backed by the Michael Jackson Estate.

Mr Jackson’s music remains influential and his 1982 album “Thriller” still holds the record as the biggest selling album of all time.

Several black musicians have announced plans to sell their music catalogues in recent years.

In January, it was announced American rapper and producer Dr Dre was putting a collection of his music up for sale for an estimated $200 (£165) – $250 (£210) million to Universal Music Group.

Dre’s assets are said to include his artist royalties relating to his two of his solo albums, producer royalties and his share of his artist royalties for music recorded by his iconic rap group N.W.A.

In December 2021, it was reported that legendary soul singer James Brown’s estate was sold for an estimated £67 million.

According to the New York Times, the Godfather of Soul’s estate was sold to publishing and management compoany Primary Wave Music.

The deal is rumoured to include the entirely of Brown’s music career.

The pioneering soul singer died on December 25, 2006 of heart failure, at the age of 73.

Primary Wave also own half of Whitney Houston’s estate and also owns the largest interest in Prince’s estate.

In 2020, it was reported Bob Dylan sold his entire songwriting catalogue to Universal Music Publishing Group for an undisclosed amount, which is estimated to be more than £225 million.

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