Sony/ATV - co-owned by the Michael Jackson Estate - is to finally take control of Michael Jackson's own back catalogue after signing a deal with the legendary artist's Mijac Music.
Although Sony/ATV is co-owned by the Sony Corporation and the Estate of Michael Jackson, until now Jackson's own compositions have been handled by Warner/Chappell under a previously signed deal. With this new worldwide administration agreement in place, Sony/ATV will now look after classic songs penned by him such as Bad, Beat It, Black And White, Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, I Just Can't Stop Loving You and Wanna Be Startin' Somethin as well as songs by other writers in the catalogue. These includes Sly and the Family Stone songs, works by Philadelphia Records founders Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and songs made famous by artists such as Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
Sony/ATV chairman and CEO Marty Bandier said: "We are thrilled that the Estate of Michael Jackson has entrusted us with this incredible catalogue of songs, and everyone at Sony/ATV looks forward to finding innovative ways to use these songs, while protecting their legacy."
The Estates of Michael Jackson's co-executors John Branca and John McClain said in a statement: “Michael’s songs in the Mijac Music catalog not only showcase his greatness as a performer but also his creative genius as a songwriter. We are excited that the company Michael helped found, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and in which his Estate remains a 50% partner, will represent these amazing songs along with a rich collection of other music recorded by some of our greatest popular artists.”
Sony/ATV's deal comes ahead of the 25th anniversary roll-out on September 18 of BAD25, a new two-disc package and CD of Jackson's Bad album. All Jackson's songs on the album are part of the new deal, which also gives Sony/ATV access to classics such as the McFadden & Whitehead disco classic Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now, Great Balls Of Fire, (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher, I Gotta Woman, If You Don't Know Me By Now, People et Ready, Mr Bonjangles, Shake Rattle and Roll, When A Man Loves A Woman and The Wanderer.
Advertisement
