By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with his various projects collectively surpassing $2 billion in global ticket sales. The King of Pop’s influence remains unmatched, from groundbreaking concert films to sold-out Broadway shows. However, beneath this glittering success lies a complex tale of financial recovery, legal battles, and persistent family strife.
In 2002, Michael Jackson signed a will that left nearly all his assets to his children through a trust while granting his mother, Katherine Jackson, a small interest during her lifetime. Crucially, the will endowed his executors—John Branca and John McClain—with broad powers to manage the estate, including the authority to sell its assets. This provision has proven to be pivotal, enabling Branca and McClain to rescue the estate from near financial collapse after Jackson’s untimely death in 2009, turning it from a half-billion dollars in debt into a multi-billion-dollar empire.
Branca, a towering figure in the entertainment law world, has been central to this remarkable financial revival. Often described as a “rock star” among lawyers, Branca’s career is defined by his representation of some of the biggest names in music, including the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Dr. Dre, and the Eagles. His work has secured record earnings for these artists and set industry-changing precedents that continue to shape the music business today.
Branca’s relationship with Michael Jackson began in 1980, and over the years, he became one of the most trusted figures in Jackson’s professional life. Known for his ability to negotiate landmark deals, Branca was instrumental in Jackson’s acquisition of the ATV Music Publishing catalog, which included the rights to many Beatles songs—a move that is still considered one of the most astute in music industry history. Michael Jackson once called Branca “the greatest lawyer of our time,” and the accolades he received from industry giants only reinforced this reputation. Marty Bandier, Sony/ATV Music CEO, and Chairman, has named Branca as the number one publishing lawyer in the United States, while Carlos Santana referred to him as “the Shaman.”
Under Branca’s stewardship, the estate has seen a remarkable financial transformation since Jackson’s passing. Over the past 12 years, Branca has orchestrated deals that have generated a staggering $2.5 billion for the estate. These include high-profile projects such as Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT, the highest-grossing concert film of all time, and MJ The Musical, a Broadway sensation that has won four Tony Awards and continues to draw sold-out crowds in North America, London’s West End, and soon, in Hamburg and Australia.
In February 2024, Branca and McClain negotiated what The New York Times described as a ‘blockbuster deal.’ They sold a significant portion of Jackson’s music catalog to a joint venture with Sony for a staggering $600 million. This deal, while financially beneficial, was not without controversy. Katherine Jackson objected, arguing that Michael had expressly stated his assets should never be sold. However, a California appellate court ultimately upheld the executors’ decision, citing the broad powers granted to them in Jackson’s will.
With unparalleled financial success, and conflict within the Jackson family, Branca and McClain have remained undaunted, focusing on preserving and expanding Michael’s legacy. Their efforts have been so effective that one observer noted, “They’ve taken such great care of the business of Michael Jackson that his heirs, his three children, will be able to feed a few dozen generations of Jacksons.”
Additionally, a source close to the estate said Katherine Jackson has been the recipient of more than $60 million since her megastar son’s death while Tito and Jackie have been among the most supportive of their younger brother’s executors, arguably the greatest and most organized estate in history.
The Jackson estate continues with its most recent project, the eagerly anticipated Antoine Fuqua biopic MICHAEL (2025), starring Jermaine Jackson’s son, Jaafar, as Michael, casting that again showed the executor’s willingness to spread the vast wealth. Still, Branca and McClain’s ability to navigate familial complexities while continuing to grow the empire Michael Jackson left behind has been a testament to their expertise and commitment.
Michael Jackson’s legacy, built on groundbreaking music and iconic performances, remains untouchable in the public’s eyes. Yet, the story behind the scenes is one of careful legal maneuvering, enduring family discord, and the challenge of preserving a cultural icon’s legacy while ensuring the financial security of his heirs for many generations to come. Branca’s dedication to “fighting for artists’ rights” has protected the hitmaker’s legacy and set a standard for how artist estates should be managed, securing a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond.
Branca and McClain’s major accomplishments:
- Michael Jackson THIS IS IT – Highest grossing concert film of all time
- Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR – Top l0 Touring Concert Show of All Time
- Michael Jackson ONE – Top Las Vegas Show
- MJ The Musical – 4 X Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical
- MJ the Musical – Sold-Out North American Touring Show
- MJ the Musical – Sold-Out West End London
- MJ The Musical Hamburg – Coming soon!
- MJ The Musical Australia – Coming soon!
- MICHAEL (2025) – The Most Anticipated Biopic Ever, Directed by Antoine Fuqua and Produced by Graham King, John Branca & John McClain