Royalty history...

Since the Pop icon’s sudden death on Thursday, 25th June there have been widespread reports of skyrocketing music sales and radio airplay domination.

Michael Jackson’s death will lead to a phenomenal increase in royalty earnings from his music according to PRS for Music, the organisation which represents the UK’s 60,000 strong song writing community and nearly two million overseas.

Jackson wrote many of the 100 songs he recorded including Billy Jean, Beat It, Bad, Smooth Criminal and Black or White. Since his death, these songs will continue to earn royalties for his estate and those nominated to look after the songs.

Other songwriters who look set to receive a substantial increase in royalties include our own Rod Temperton (wrote Thriller) from Cleethorpes along with some other U.S songwriters including Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett (co-writers for Man in the Mirror) and Bill Bottrell (co-wrote Black or White with Michael Jackson).

PRS for Music said: ‘We have witnessed an unprecedented 1,735% rise in the amount of airplay, let alone sales and downloads of Michael Jackson’s songs since his death which will provide a royalty boost for his estate and his songwriters.’