Michael Jackson Net Worth
Before he became a global phenomenon, Michael Jackson was the youngest member of the Jackson 5.
This Motown marvel of a group was belting out chart-toppers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, ensuring little Michael and his family were far from financially struggling.
With hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC,” the Jacksons were raking in the green even before Michael’s voice broke.
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Flying Solo
Once Michael spread his wings and went solo, there was no looking back. Albums like “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” weren’t just records; they were global events. “Thriller,” in particular, remains the best-selling album of all time. Think about the kind of moolah that brings in! And remember, this was a time when people weren’t streaming; they were buying records, cassettes, and eventually CDs. Every copy sold was more money in MJ’s pocket.
Tours
Michael’s tours, complete with gravity-defying dance moves and unparalleled showmanship, were stuff legends are made of. Every ticket sold (and were they sold out quickly) was a testament to his global appeal.
The “Bad” World Tour alone grossed over $125 million, and this was back in the late 80s. Adjust that for inflation, and you get an eye-popping number!
Neverland: MJ’s Personal Paradise
In the realm of rockstar purchases, Neverland Ranch stands out. Spanning over 2,800 acres, with an amusement park, a zoo, and a full-fledged movie theater, this was Michael’s personal Disneyland. The price tag? A cool $17 million when he bought it in 1988. Though it was an enormous outlay of cash, it also became an asset, with its value skyrocketing over the years.
Endorsements and Brand MJ
Michael wasn’t just a music icon; he was a brand. Big companies wanted a piece of the MJ magic. Remember the Pepsi commercials? These endorsement deals brought in some serious cash.
Merchandising
From action figures to t-shirts, posters to keychains. The sheer volume of Michael Jackson merchandise is staggering, and every item sold contributed to his ever-growing wealth. Even today, you’d be hard-pressed to walk into a vintage store and not find some relic of Michael’s merchandising empire.
Savvy Business Moves
One of his most legendary moves was buying the Beatles’ catalog. Yes, the songs of the biggest band in history were owned (in part) by MJ. It’s a financial masterstroke. The royalties from those songs alone would be enough to make anyone rich, let alone MJ.
One of the less sung-about, but financially significant moves of Michael Jackson, was his joint venture with Sony, forming Sony/ATV. With this, he didn’t just own his music but a vast trove of other artists’ music as well. This publishing company became a goldmine, with its assets growing exponentially over the years.
Movie and Television Appearances
While he wasn’t a Hollywood actor in the traditional sense, Michael Jackson made memorable appearances in movies and television. Whether it was his iconic role in “The Wiz” or his groundbreaking music video turned mini-movie “Thriller,” these ventures added another layer to his brand and, of course, more zeroes to his bank account.
Collaborations
Michael Jackson’s collaborations with other artists were events unto themselves. Be it “Scream” with his sister Janet Jackson, “Say Say Say” with Paul McCartney, or “You Rock My World” with Chris Tucker – every collaboration was not just a musical treat but also a commercial success.
The Controversies and Financial Strains
It’s not all a rosy picture, though. Michael faced his fair share of controversies, lawsuits, and debts. These not only took a toll on his personal life but also on his finances. Legal fees, settlements, and a somewhat extravagant lifestyle did strain his coffers. But even in the most challenging times, Michael’s assets and his earning potential far outweighed the liabilities.
Posthumous Earnings
Tragically, Michael left us in 2009, but legends like him never truly die.
At the time of his death, his net worth was negative $500 million. Michael was in debt due to overspending and excessive borrowing.
However, in the years since his death, his estate has generated more than $2 billion.
Posthumous album releases, the “This Is It” documentary, and the Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” kept the cash registers ringing.
In fact, according to Forbes, he’s consistently been one of the top-earning dead celebrities year after year.
Humanitarian Efforts
Michael’s wealth wasn’t just about accumulation; he was known for his vast charitable contributions. From children’s hospitals to relief funds, Michael Jackson donated millions to causes close to his heart.
The Legacy
Michael’s legacy isn’t just about the iconic moonwalk or the timeless songs. It’s also about a brand that refuses to fade. Michael Jackson, the brand, continues to be a force to reckon with. From merchandise to music sales to biopics to Broadway shows, MJ is still very much alive in the world of commerce.
