The Beatles and Michael Jackson are two of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, with both of them having an incredible influence on popular culture. Since their passing, both of their legacies have been managed by a variety of people.
The Beatles were formed in 1960 in Liverpool, England, and their management team was formed by Brian Epstein and George Martin. Martin was the band’s producer and Epstein was their extremely important manager. After the band’s dissolution in 1970, the members of the band remained under contract with Epstein’s company, Nemperor Records, and published their new albums with Apple Corps, which is run by the band’s members. In 1968, the Beatles created their own publishing and record production company, Apple Records, and that company still exists today. Apple Records is now fully owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison.
The estate of Michael Jackson managed his legacy for many years. His estate was created after Jackson’s death in 2009 and was initially overseen by his executors, John Branca and John McClain. Branca and McClain were tasked with managing the assets of Jackson and selling his music and catalog of works. They also oversaw a number of business expansions that provided a new revenue stream for the estate. Branca and McClain continued as the estate’s executives until July 2016, when they were replaced by Troy Carter and John McClain.
Carter, who was the former manager of Lady Gaga and the head of Spotify’s artist relations, is now the estate’s co-executive. His role is to oversee all aspects of Michael Jackson’s estate. Under Carter, the estate has expanded again. He has helped to create a music initiative which allows for licensing and synchronization deals and he is also helping to expand Jackson’s music on digital streaming platforms, while overseeing a new record label for unreleased material.
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison have all been involved in managing the Beatles legacy. According to John Eastman, the attorney for the Beatles’ estates, the four estates have successfully managed the rights and money associated with the Beatles legacy. Eastman states that the four estates have worked together to make sure the Beatles legacy stays intact and that the money is divided fairly.
The estates of the Beatles and Michael Jackson currently manage the vast catalogs of music that both of these iconic artists created. They are tasked with ensuring that the works of these two legends are properly protected and that their copyrights are respected. The estates are also responsible for managing licensing and synchronization deals with other artists. Furthermore, the estates are tasked with expanding the reach of both of these iconic artists, ensuring that their music continues to be shared and enjoyed by generations to come.
Digital Streaming Platforms
The Beatles and Michael Jackson have been able to extend their reach through digital streaming platforms. In 2013, The Beatles signed a historic global deal with Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music entertainment company, to make their entire catalog available on digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and more. Similarly, in 2018, Michael Jackson’s estate signed a deal with Spotify to make his entire catalog available on the platform. This deal helps to ensure that both of these artist’s music is available to a broad audience, and allows people from all over the world to easily access and enjoy their work.
The estates of both The Beatles and Michael Jackson have been vocal about digital streaming platforms. They have expressed their commitment to making the music of both of these iconic artists available through these digital streaming services. Moreover, the estates have encouraged fans to purchase their works from legal vendors, citing the impact of piracy on both of their legacies.
Licensing Deals
The estates of The Beatles and Michael Jackson have also been involved in licensing deals with a variety of other artists and businesses. The Beatles often sign licensing agreements with other artists to use their music in their own works which often results in additional exposure for their music. Additionally, the Beatles have also signed agreements with companies to use their music in commercials or other promotional materials. Similarly, Michael Jackson’s estate has also been involved in a variety of licensing deals with different artists and companies.
The estates of The Beatles and Michael Jackson have negotiated a variety of different licensing deals in order to protect their legacies and ensure that their works are properly respected. Moreover, these deals have been beneficial for both artists as they have allowed their music to be exposed to a wider audience and have increased the likelihood of it being enjoyed by people beyond their original audiences.
Live Performances
Compilations, tributes and live performances of The Beatles and Michael Jackson’s music remain popular to this day.The estates of both artists have encouraged and licensed a variety of tribute and cover performances in order to keep the music of their respective artists alive. For example, The Beatles are often celebrated through tribute and cover performances by various artists all over the world. Similarly, Michael Jackson’s estate has also licensed performances of his works, such as Michael Jackson One, a circus-themed live show based on his music.
Licensing tribute performances and tribute albums helps to keep the legacies of both of these iconic artists alive and ensures that their music remains accessible to a broad audience. Moreover, these performances give artists, musicians, and singers the opportunity to pay homage to two of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Merchandise
The estates of The Beatles and Michael Jackson have also been involved in a variety of merchandise deals and collaborations. Both of these artists have had a variety of items released over the years, including apparel, vinyls, books, memorabilia, and more. The estates of these two icons have been involved in a number of collaborations with businesses in order to create new and exciting products with their logos and images. For example, The Beatles’ estate has collaborated with companies such as Herschel Supply Co. and Stance on an array of products, including apparel, limited edition vinyls, and accessories. Similarly, Michael Jackson’s estate has also collaborated with companies to create a variety of merchandise reflective of his legacy.
The estates of The Beatles and Michael Jackson have successfully managed the legacies of both of these iconic artists. By managing their music catalogs, licensing deals, performing rights, and merchandise, they are ensuring that the legacies of these two prominent figures remain intact for generations to come.
Film
The estates of both The Beatles and Michael Jackson have been involved in the film and television industry. The Beatles, through Apple Corps, have been involved in a variety of film projects, including the documentary “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week” and the feature film “Across the Universe”. Similarly, Michael Jackson’s estate has been involved in film projects such as “Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland” and the feature documentary called “Into the Sky”.
The estates of The Beatles and Michael Jackson understand the importance of ensuring that these iconic artists remain relevant in popular culture, and their involvement in film and television projects helps to ensure that their legacy remains relevant for future generations. By being involved in these projects, the estates are able to ensure that the music of The Beatles and Michael Jackson remain accessible to a broad audience and that these two iconic artists remain a part of popular culture.
Social Media
The estates of The Beatles and Michael Jackson have also been active in the social media space. Both of their estates maintain active social media accounts and regularly share updates about their respective artists. For example, The Beatles’ social media accounts often release news and announcements about the band, share rare or unseen photos and videos, or run campaigns to promote their music. Similarly, Michael Jackson’s social media accounts share rare photos, videos, and announcements from Jackson’s life and career.
By maintaining active social media accounts, the estates of both The Beatles and Michael Jackson are able to remain connected to their respective fan bases and ensure that their legacies remain alive and relevant. Furthermore, by sharing rare and unseen photos and videos, the estates are able to make these iconic artists more accessible to a broader audience.
The estates of The Beatles and Michael Jackson have managed to carefully preserve the legacies of both of these iconic artists. Through their involvement in licensing deals, merchandise, digital streaming platforms, film and television projects, and social media, the estates are ensuring that the music of The Beatles and Michael Jackson remain relevant and accessible to people from all over the world.
