paul mccartney was wise to share this information with jackson, as the young pop star had already shown a keen interest in business and financial matters. Jackson had been working tirelessly to establish himself as not only a successful musician but also as a savvy entrepreneur. His album Thriller had already broken numerous records and solidified his status as a musical icon, but Jackson was always looking for ways to further expand his empire.
So when McCartney explained the potential financial benefits of owning publishing rights to a catalog of hit songs, Jackson took note. And he didn’t just take note – he took action. In 1985, Jackson purchased ATV Music Publishing for a reported $47.5 million, which included the rights to over 250 Beatles songs. This move shocked the music industry and left McCartney feeling blindsided.
Despite their friendship and past collaborations, McCartney was left feeling betrayed by Jackson’s acquisition of the Beatles’ catalog. The two had shared a special bond over their mutual love for music and their collaborations, but Jackson’s business move had put a strain on their relationship. McCartney later admitted that he had underestimated Jackson’s ambition and drive, and that he had never expected his friend to outsmart him in the music business.
The purchase of the Beatles catalog was a shrewd move on Jackson’s part, as the songs continued to generate significant revenue for him for years to come. The Beatles’ music was timeless and beloved by millions of fans around the world, ensuring that the publishing rights would remain a valuable asset for Jackson. And while McCartney may have regretted sharing his business insights with Jackson, there was no denying that the King of Pop had made a smart investment that would pay off handsomely in the long run.
In the end, McCartney’s advice to Jackson had unintended consequences, leading to a rift between the two musicians and a bitter rivalry over the rights to the Beatles’ catalog. But it also highlighted the cutthroat nature of the music industry and the importance of protecting one’s intellectual property. McCartney learned a valuable lesson about the value of owning publishing rights, while Jackson solidified his reputation as a savvy businessman who was not afraid to take risks in pursuit of his goals.
The story of how Michael Jackson bought the publishing rights to the Beatles’ song catalog at the advice of Paul McCartney is a cautionary tale about the complexities of friendship, business, and fame in the music industry. It serves as a reminder that in the cutthroat world of entertainment, even the closest of relationships can be tested when money and power are at stake. And while McCartney may have lost out on the opportunity to regain control of his beloved songs, the legacy of the Beatles continues to live on through their timeless music and the ongoing battle over their publishing rights.
