Fate of Beatle songs, one of Jackson's most valued assets, up in the air

One of Michael Jackson's most valued assets was his 50% stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which has more than 750,000 copyrights. They include many hit Beatles songs as well as songs by Bob Dylan, John Mayer, Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers.

The total catalog has been valued by some at more than $1 billion. Of course, given the challenges facing the music industry, that figure may be a little optimistic. Regardless, Sony Corp. no doubt would like to get its hands on the 50% it doesn't already own. Jackson's half was held in a trust, a person familiar with the situation said. Jackson still has considerable financial woes, and his beneficiaries may be required to sell off many of his assets, including the catalog, to clear the singer's debt.

-- Joe Flint

Comments

[Randy B. Goode]

many wonder why Paul let Michael buy the ATV catalog back in the 1980s. Paul tried to buy it with Yoko but she was looking for a bargain price. Why didn't Paul buy it on his own? My only theory is he did not want to be seen as owning the other Beatles' rights. In retrospect he surely regrets it. The Beatles just got $500 million from Apple Computers, so they could buy this if it was for sale. But SONY must have a team of lawyers on this right now, making sure that they end up owning it.

[Scott]

Paul couldn't get them alone. They are Lennon/McCartney publications.
Yoko had to be in the picture.

[Pat Hamilton]

Michael bought the songs after the ton of money for Thriller came in. The Beatles were hoodwinked when they signed their first contracts as boys. Old men got richer from Lennon and McCartney's talent, and the lads never made much money while they were Beatles. Because of their plight, later artists got wise and demanded better compensation, and Michael Jackson benefited from the changes. Meanwhile, Paul felt that he had written the songs and should not have to pay an enormous sum to get them back. Most recently, I read a rumor that Michael would leave the songs to Paul. That would be grand.