Michael Jackson is globally celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to music, dance, and performance. With over 400 million records sold worldwide, his legacy as the King of Pop remains unchallenged. But beyond the spotlight and the moonwalks, Jackson was also a shrewd and forward-thinking businessman—a side of him many fans often overlook. This is the untold story of Michael Jackson’s incredible business savvy.

Jackson’s rise as a pop icon in the 1980s set the stage for some of the most groundbreaking deals in music and entertainment history. After the release of Thriller—the best-selling album of all time—Jackson knew he was more than just an artist. He was a brand. In 1983, he leveraged his newfound status to strike a $5 million endorsement deal with Pepsi, an unheard-of figure at the time. Adjusted for inflation, this would be over $15 million today.

The Pepsi “New Generation” campaign, which featured Michael rewriting the lyrics to “Billie Jean,” wasn’t just about commercials—it was a global marketing event, with tours and merchandising tie-ins. In the late 1980s, Jackson doubled the deal to $10 million, which included sponsorship of his Bad World Tour, the second highest-grossing tour of the decade, and a Guinness World Record-breaking 123 concert performances.

But Jackson didn’t stop there. He continued to build his business empire with endorsement deals from companies like Suzuki, Sony, and LA Gear. Although not all ventures were successful—his LA Gear “Billie Jean” sneaker line flopped—Jackson’s ambition and willingness to experiment made him one of the most enterprising musicians of his time.

Perhaps the most legendary business move in Jackson’s career was sparked by a conversation with Beatles legend Paul McCartney. During a casual discussion, McCartney revealed how much money he earned annually from music publishing. He advised Jackson to get into the business himself. Jackson’s response was iconic: “I’m going to buy yours.”

And he did. In 1985, Michael Jackson acquired ATV Music Publishing, which held the rights to over 250 Beatles songs, for approximately $47.5 million. The deal shocked the industry—and deeply strained his friendship with McCartney. But Jackson saw it as a strategic investment. Later, he sold half of his stake to Sony for $100 million, and eventually, the full catalog was valued at over $750 million.

Michael’s approach to business was both bold and calculated. He understood the power of intellectual property and the long-term value of owning content. While some criticized his commercialization of Beatles songs, Jackson saw the deal purely as business—a sentiment Paul McCartney would later acknowledge with, “That’s just business.”

Even in death, Michael Jackson’s business empire continues to thrive. His estate has generated hundreds of millions through music sales, reissues, and posthumous projects. This Is It, the documentary chronicling rehearsals for what would have been his comeback tour, became the best-selling music documentary of all time. Meanwhile, the 10% stake he retained in ATV Music eventually benefitted his children’s trust when Sony purchased the full catalog in 2016.

Michael Jackson wasn’t just a performer—he was a visionary who understood how to turn fame into a legacy of wealth and ownership. His ability to merge artistry with entrepreneurship is one of the reasons his influence endures today. From dominating charts to acquiring The Beatles’ catalog, Jackson changed not just the sound of music, but the business of it.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments—was Jackson ahead of his time as a businessman? Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories on the genius of Michael Jackson.