In 1985, a surprising music industry shakeup occurred that still resonates today: Michael Jackson purchased the rights to a large portion of The Beatles’ catalog. This bold move sparked a lasting and well-documented tension with Paul McCartney, who had long hoped to keep the band’s songs within close creative and financial control.
The Backstory: Beatles Songs and Publishing Rights
Songwriting royalties and publishing rights are a crucial part of the music business, often worth millions of dollars. When The Beatles wrote their iconic songs, the publishing rights were initially managed by a company called Northern Songs, which was partially owned by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and music publisher Dick James.
However, over time, control of Northern Songs changed hands, and by the 1980s, many of the rights had been sold to other parties.
Michael Jackson Enters the Picture
Michael Jackson, then at the peak of his career, had a keen business sense alongside his musical genius. In 1985, he bought ATV Music Publishing, the company that owned the rights to much of The Beatles’ catalog.
This acquisition gave Jackson control over classics like “Yesterday,” “Let It Be,” and “Hey Jude,” making him one of the most powerful figures in music publishing.
The Fallout with Paul McCartney
The purchase shocked Paul McCartney, who had previously collaborated with Jackson and even encouraged him to invest in music publishing.
McCartney reportedly felt betrayed, as he had hoped to own the rights himself or keep them within trusted circles.
This tension strained their friendship and led to public disagreements. McCartney has spoken openly about the difficulty of accepting that the rights to songs he co-wrote were now owned by someone else.
A Complicated Relationship
Despite the tension, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney occasionally worked together musically after the purchase, showing a complex mix of professional respect and personal friction.
Over the years, McCartney has expressed regret about some business decisions, and the story remains a cautionary tale about music rights and friendship.
The Legacy of the Deal
Michael Jackson’s purchase highlights the importance of publishing rights in the music industry and how business moves can deeply affect artists personally.
Today, those Beatles songs continue to generate significant income, and the ownership of their rights has shifted again after Jackson’s estate made deals with other companies.
Final Thought
The saga of Michael Jackson buying The Beatles’ song rights reminds us that behind timeless music lies a world of complex business and human emotion — where friendship, trust, and legacy often collide.
