MUMBAI: Sony/ATV which is co-owned by Sony Corporation and Michael Jackson Estate is all set to take control of the King of Pop’s own back catalogue, after signing a deal with the legendary artist’s Mijac Music.
With the association, Sony/ATV will now look after classic songs penned by the artist including ‘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. Jackson’s own compositions were previously handled by Warner/Chappell.
Commenting on the deal, 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.”
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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 per cent partner, will represent these amazing songs along with a rich collection of other music recorded by some of our greatest popular artists.”
The deal comes ahead of the 25th anniversary roll-out of Michael Jackson’s album Bad25, which will be released on 18 September as a new two-disc package and CD of original 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 get Ready, Mr Bonjangles, Shake Rattle and Roll, When A Man Loves A Woman and The Wanderer.
