Jackson Esate signs huge deal with Sony

Since his death 9 months ago, Micheal Jackson has sold 31 million records worldwide. That's quite the accomplishment for a deceased person, and although the singer himself no longer benefits from his status as a Pop legend his estate and record company do. It was announced this week that Sony Music has reached a deal with the Jackson estate to release 10 albums, some containing unreleased material, from now until 2017. In return, the Jackson Estate will receive up to $250 million in advances and royalties over the next 7 years. But this is more than just a record deal, it is a publishing contract as well. Just as MJ famously bought the publishing rights to the majority of the Lennon-McCartney catalog, Sony has bought the rights to publish and license Jackson's songs. As music becomes more accessible and 'free' everyday online, musical copyright owners are shifting their focus to publishing deals-such as playing a song in a TV commercial-to pursue income.

So you may be asking, why is this significant? Well first off, expect more MJ songs in commercials and internet advertising. Sony has to make up for the downsizing of the record business by focusing their publishing company initiatives. Although you might not want to see the King of Pop exploited into selling Insurance or the new season of The Wire, keep in mind that his estate, particularly his father, probably has less integrity that the music giant company. Also, the possibility that the Jackson Estate will sell the publishing rights to the Beatles catalog is not completely out of the question-especially in light of this deal with Sony- although MJ did tell a British tabloid that he intended to leave McCartney the catalog in his will (according to sources at AOL music.) But of course, he died before legal action could make his 'wish' come true.