It has been reported that Michael Jackson received a payment of at least $600m (£475m) from Sony Music Group for 50% of his catalog.
_Should this be accurate, it would indicate that the singer’s music assets are worth over $1.2 billions.
This deal will be the most significant for any musician’s work to date.
Michael Jackson, who passed away at 50 in 2009, was one of the most successful pop stars ever, with over 400 million records sold worldwide.
This number is disputed and may be significantly higher.
_Guinness World Records acknowledges his 1982 album Thriller as the best-selling record ever.
The King of Pop is also hugely popular on streaming services, with nearly 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
_His songs Billie Jean and Beat It have both been played over a billion times on Spotify alone.
An upcoming biopic starring Jackson’s nephew in the title role is also sure to increase interest.
_Along with Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin’s hits, the catalog deal will also feature songs by other artists acquired by Jackson’s Mijac publishing group.