JACKSON ESTATE ROLLING WITH STONE

The Estate of Michael Jackson is being taken higher with the acquisition of a majority ownership stake in the U.S. rights to the Sly and the Family Stone catalog. As part of the arrangement, Jackson’s MIJAC Music will retain long-term administration rights.

Sylvester Stewart made a punny remark about the deal: “Thank You Mijac (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).”

Jackson formed MIJAC Music in 1980 and his first purchase was the catalog of Sly and the Family Stone in 1983. The Estate continues to own 100% of the copyright for the catalog outside the U.S.

“Sly and the Family Stone were a force for enlightenment and positive change, a message that Michael believed in,” said John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson. “He recognized Stewart’s genius and the power of his words and music which is why he first acquired the catalog and why we at MIJAC follow in Michael’s footsteps today.”

The MIJAC Music catalog includes all of the songs written by Jackson and hits such as “After Midnight,” “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now,” “Back Stabbers,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “People Get Ready” and “Sugar Sugar.”