When Michael Jackson Bought the Beatles

Quick Overview

Michael Jackson purchased the publishing rights to the Beatles' song catalog from Paul McCartney for $47.5 million in 1985, a move that McCartney initially felt was a betrayal, although Jackson later offered to sell the rights back to McCartney for $50 million, which McCartney declined, viewing it as business rather than personal, leading to a permanent rift between the two music legends.

Key Points: Michael Jackson purchased the Beatles' publishing catalog from Paul McCartney for $47.5 million in 1985. Paul McCartney felt betrayed by his friend Jackson's business move to acquire the catalog, which included songs they co-wrote. Jackson later offered to sell the catalog back to McCartney for $50 million, but McCartney refused, stating, "It's just business, Paul." McCartney felt insulted because he knew the catalog's long-term value, which was projected to generate hundreds of millions annually. The incident caused a significant rift, resulting in the two artists not speaking again after their final phone call. The speaker notes that Michael Jackson was known for his generosity, which contrasted with the aggressive business tactics used by his label regarding publishing.

Context: The video discusses the famous business transaction between Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney regarding the publishing rights to The Beatles' song catalog. This partnership began amicably with collaboration on songs like 'The Girl Is Mine' and 'Say Say Say,' but soured when Jackson, advised by his team, aggressively pursued the publishing rights to the Lennon-McCartney catalog, which McCartney deeply valued.

Detailed Analysis

The video details the falling out between Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, stemming from Jackson's acquisition of the Beatles' publishing catalog. The friendship started well, with collaborations like "The Girl Is Mine" and "Say Say Say." However, the worst part for McCartney was the feeling of betrayal when Jackson, advised by his team and knowing the catalog's immense future value (projected to make hundreds of millions annually), bought the publishing rights, which McCartney considered his life's work. Jackson reportedly paid $47.5 million for the rights, which were owned by a billionaire. Later, Jackson offered to sell the catalog back to McCartney for $50 million, but McCartney refused, reportedly because Jackson told him, "It's just business, Paul." This business decision, contrasting with Jackson's known generosity in other areas, caused a rift so severe that the two friends never spoke again after their last phone call, illustrating the painful lesson that one should not mix business and friendship, especially when it involves one's creative legacy.