Forbes Reports on Jackson's Total Career Earnings Before and After Death

In August 2018, Forbes reported that Michael Jackson's total career pretax earnings, both during his life and posthumously, reached an impressive $4.2 billion. This staggering figure highlights Jackson's enduring legacy as one of the most successful entertainers in history. A significant portion of these earnings, approximately $300 million, came from royalties generated by the sales of his recordings through Sony's music unit. Additionally, Jackson's financial success was bolstered by an estimated $400 million earned from various other sources, including concerts, music publishing (notably his share of the Beatles catalog), endorsements, merchandising, and music videos. Jackson's ability to generate substantial income from multiple revenue streams underscores his status as a cultural icon and a savvy businessman. Despite fluctuations in his net worth during certain years, his overall financial achievements remain a testament to his unparalleled impact on the music industry and popular culture.