Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is a name that resonates across all kinds of generations and genres. He is still a big name in the world of dance and music. He not only achieved success in music, but his dance also became famous all over the world.
The craze for Michael Jackson among his fans was so great that, after seeing a glimpse of him, many fans used to faint. His impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and his influence on pop culture is undeniable.
On the basis of his music and dance style, he gained millions of fans all over the world. You must have heard about his success, but today we will tell you how rich a person Michael Jackson actually was.
Even today, he is earning money through his music records and royalties. Not only Michael Jackson, but there are many other famous singers who are earning money after death. Here, we will give complete information about the true net worth of Michael Jackson.
Before knowing the real net worth of Michael Jackson, let’s know something about his life and success journey.
Career Beginning
Michael Jackson’s journey of singing and dancing started when he was young. Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, he was the 7th of 9 children in the Jackson family. He joined the Jackson 5 (a musical band founded by his father) at the age of 5.
He quickly emerged as the lead singer and star of the group, and he became known for his energetic dance moves and soulful voice. This early success laid the foundation for his individual stardom.
Later, in the coming years, Michael Jackson left the band and began his solo career. His solo career began in the late 1970s with the release of his album ‘Off the Wall (1979).
Breakthrough Album
Thriller: He achieved significant success with albums like “Off the Wall” and “Bad,” but he got great success with his 1982 album ‘Thriller.’ It was an instant success, and it became the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide.
Thriller was his 6th studio album, which came with seven chart-topping singles, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” His solo career was a big hit, in which he released a total of 10 studio albums, won 13 Grammy Awards, and was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Business Ventures
Apart from music, Michael Jackson also started some business ventures. In 1985, he acquired the rights to The Beatles’ catalog for a reported $47.5 million, which was a huge sum of money at the time.
Due to the popularity of The Beatles, his catalogue generated substantial income for him over the years. His catalog also included rights to numerous other artists’ works, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder, making him a significant player in the music publishing industry.
Additionally, he ventured into other businesses, including the creation of MJJ Productions, which produced music, films, and television shows. His investments in publishing, merchandising, and real estate added to his growing wealth.
Michael Jackson’s net worth during the 1980s and 1990s
During the 1980s and 1990s, his career touched the heights of success. This was the period when he released his most successful album, Thriller, and also started some of his other business ventures.
According to reports, during that period, he earned around $50 to $125 million per year. His net worth is estimated to have been around $250 million during this time period.
Michael Jackson’s net worth from the 1990s to 2000
At the time, he was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world. During that period, his estimated net worth ranged from $350 million to $500 million.
Lavish Lifestyle
He was one of the most famous entertainers in the world. As a result of his name and fame, he lived a lavish lifestyle. He owned a lavish Neverland Ranch, complete with amusement rides, a zoo, and extensive staff. He spent a lot of money to live his lavish lifestyle, which had a negative impact on his net worth.
Michael Jackson’s net worth from 2001 until his death
During the period of the 2000s, his earnings dropped significantly due to his lavish lifestyle, legal expenses, dropped sales, and medical expenses. As per the report, his net worth was around $250 million, and in 2005 it decreased to $25 million.
He got into debt due to his falling net worth. He died in 2009, and at the time of his death, his net worth was negative $500 million. He was in debt, and later his debt was paid by his estate.
Posthumous earnings and estate valuation
He tragically passed away in 2009, but it did not mark the end of his earnings. Even after his death, his net worth continued to grow significantly.
In 2013, Forbes reported that the estate value of Michael Jackson was around $600 million. This valuation included his remaining stake in the Sony/ATV catalog and the earnings from posthumous projects.
Even today, the valuation of his estate continues to increase; in 2016, the value of his estate was around $825 million. He is earning almost $100 million per year after his death.
All his estate earnings come from music royalties, posthumous album releases, the music catalog, sales, and revenue streams. The total net worth of his estate as of 2023 is estimated to be $1 billion.