The Michael Jackson Brand
07-03-09
Michael Jackson’s estate has one of the most powerful brands on the planet and the potential to earn more than anyone expects. Controlling his name and likeness will be critical to maintaining the brand now that he has passed away. Combine that marketing income, with his assets and their total earning potential should allow his estate to become a powerhouse of revenue. Especially since he is not able to continue his multi-million dollar extravagant spending sprees anymore.
On CTV the other day, the announcer stated that the Michael Jackson brand could top $20 million US dollars a year and depending on the business decisions of the Jackson family, could be structured to top the Forbes highest deceased celebrity earners list within the year.
MJ’s music has been selling faster than at any time during his life (except maybe when his Thriller album was released). Check out the brand new separate page for Amazon and you’ll see young Michael Jackson smiling at you to click and buy, making it quick and easy to purchase more Michael Jackson merchandise.
Forbes last year had Elvis Presley as the top deceased celebrity earner making over $50 million US per year for his estate. Rumour has it, that this is more than The King ever made annually when he was alive. With Graceland and tight fiscal control of Elvis’ image, the Presley estate revenue is secure.
So will the King of Pop dethrone The King?
My prediction is ‘Yes’ and I prefer Elvis’ music. It’s just logical. Jackson’s original mass audience is younger than Presley’s, which translates to more of his fans outliving Elvis fans. Based on my radio listening, I hear MJ’s music more often than Elvis’ and I listen to many different stations.
It will be interesting to see how the Jackson family manage Michael’s estate. I hope they are able to pay off his staggering debt and still have enough cash leftover so his children are taken care of. Which will be the case I am sure.
I wonder if Paul McCartney will now be able to purchase the Beatles publishing catalog rights? I think that would be fair…
Sandford Tuey
info@Playdigm.com
Tags: Beatles, brand, branding, celebrity, Elvis Presley, estate, merchandising, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Sandford Tuey