Millions of people loved and adored Michael Jackson. His scintillating dance moves, his crisp timing, and his impeccable reach around the world immersed him into a lifestyle many either envied or enjoyed. A new book released today (June 3), Michael Jackson, Inc. takes a look at the moves Jackson made before he became the undisputed King of Pop.
During the mid-1980s, an informal investment committee was implemented to purchase artists’ publishing catalogs whole stock. This group involved David Geffen, the Hollywood maverick who would found DreamWorks Studios; John Johnson, the genius behind Ebony Magazine; John Branca, an attorney who would later go on to handle Jackson’s estate; and Michael Jackson, the universe’s biggest artist and chairman of the board, indefatigable in his resolve to become No. 1.
While this wasn’t NASDAQ stock or assets that were to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange, they were rare and highly valued commodities. Little known to anyone outside of this investment circle, Michael Jackson and America’s savviest businessmen were plotting to go after a billion-dollar entertainment conglomerate, also known as The Beatles. With an Australian billionaire by the name of Robert Holmes à Court, asking for more than $40 million for ATV (which included The Beatles’ most popular songs such as “Yesterday,” “Penny Lane,” etc.), Jackson and company had their disagreements, fights, and a battle with competition looming in the foreground.
As the book, Michael Jackson, Inc. hits shelves today, we take a look at the 10 things you didn’t know about MJ the businessman.
Photo: WENN