How Much Money Did Michael Jackson Have in Today’s Money?
How Much Money Did Michael Jackson Have in Today’s Money?
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was not only a musical icon but also a savvy businessman. His legacy continues to generate substantial wealth long after his death in 2009. However, estimating how much Michael Jackson would be worth in today’s money requires considering several factors, including his earnings, investments, and the continued popularity of his brand.
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Michael Jackson's Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his death, Michael Jackson’s net worth was estimated at approximately $500 million. However, Jackson faced significant financial challenges in the years leading up to his death, largely due to his extravagant lifestyle and the costs associated with maintaining his Neverland Ranch. Despite these difficulties, Jackson's assets were substantial, and his musical catalog, in particular, would continue to grow in value.
Growth of Jackson's Estate After His Death
Since Michael Jackson’s passing, his estate has earned hundreds of millions of dollars. His music catalog, which includes some of the best-selling albums of all time, such as Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, has been a major contributor to this growth. Thriller remains the best-selling album in history, and its continued success through streaming, sales, and licensing ensures that Jackson's estate remains a major source of income.
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In 2016, the estate earned $825 million, a testament to the enduring appeal of his music. The purchase of the rights to the Beatles’ catalog in 1985 also turned out to be a wise investment, as the value of that catalog has since increased to over $1 billion.
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Adjusting for Inflation
To better understand how much Michael Jackson would be worth today, we need to account for inflation. When Jackson died in 2009, his estimated net worth was around $500 million. Adjusting for inflation, that would be approximately $650 million today, based on average inflation rates. However, the continued earnings from his music catalog, brand, and real estate holdings have far outpaced inflation, pushing his total wealth beyond that amount.
Today’s Estimated Net Worth
Given the ongoing revenue from Jackson’s music catalog, royalties, licensing deals, and investments, it’s estimated that Michael Jackson’s estate would be worth well over $1 billion today. His estate continues to earn millions annually, with Forbes reporting $400 million in earnings in 2018 alone. This figure places Jackson among the highest-earning celebrities, even posthumously.
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While Michael Jackson faced financial challenges during his lifetime, his legacy has grown exponentially since his death. Today, it is estimated that his estate would be worth over $1 billion, thanks to the ongoing success of his music, investments, and brand. His continued influence on music and pop culture ensures that his wealth will only continue to grow, cementing his place as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in entertainment history.