Jackson’s death triggers billion dollar bonanza FEATURE 06/24/2010

Jackson’s death triggers billion dollar bonanza

FEATURE 06/24/2010 LOS ANGELES — Soaring music sales, a blockbuster movie and an array of commercial spin-offs: Michael Jackson’s demise has lent weight to the wry showbusiness maxim that death is the ultimate career move. In the final years of his life, Jackson’s finances were widely reported to be in chaos, with the singer facing foreclosure on his famed Neverland Ranch and struggling with debts of roughly $500 million. However in the 12 months since Jackson’s death on June 25 last year, the King of Pop’s empire has witnessed a money-spinning resurgence, generating revenues estimated at more than $1 billion, according to one report. Jackson’s estate has paid off more than half of the singer’s debts and is likely to put his affairs back into the black in the coming year. The financial bonanza began almost immediately, with the singer selling nearly four million records in the six weeks after his death, with no fewer than six Jackson albums in the top 20 at one stage.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100624com3.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL One big headache FRONTLINE Same turncoats next election year FEATURE Jackson’s death triggers billion dollar bonanza BLURBAL THRUSTS PNP cover-up COMMENT Boo-boos, boners and blunders focus Vatican wants clean-up amid corruption probe VIEWPOINTS New air. Renewed spirit. Renewal of hope