Have you ever wondered how one man could dominate not just the charts, but an entire industry? Michael Jackson did exactly that. He wasn’t just a pop star—he became a global phenomenon whose influence changed the music industry forever. From his unmatched artistic vision to his revolutionary business moves, Jackson didn’t just participate in the industry—he owned it.

By 2009, Michael Jackson had become the most awarded individual in the history of entertainment, with over 900 awards to his name. This didn’t even include certifications like gold, platinum, or diamond for his record-breaking album sales. He sold over 1 billion records globally, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

His 1982 album Thriller alone sold more than 110 million copies worldwide and remains the highest-selling album in history. His 1993 Super Bowl halftime show attracted an audience of 133.5 million viewers—the largest TV audience ever recorded at the time.

Even after his death in 2009, Jackson earned $275 million in 2010—more than Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Jay-Z combined. While part of this came from a posthumous sales boost, much of it stemmed from Jackson’s brilliant business decisions.

In 1985, Michael Jackson made one of the smartest investments in music history. He purchased the ATV Music Publishing catalog for $47.5 million. This catalog included 250 Beatles songs, and his purchase shocked even Paul McCartney, who had once joked with Jackson about owning publishing rights.

The negotiation process was tough and lasted nearly a year. Jackson’s legal team had to review thousands of songs and financial records, spending over $1 million just in due diligence. Despite fierce competition from big players like Virgin Records and real estate tycoons, Jackson secured the deal.

Ten years later, Sony paid Jackson $110 million for a 50% stake in the catalog. Together, they formed Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which grew to become one of the biggest music publishers in the world. Jackson continued to earn a share every time a Sony/ATV artist made a sale.

But he didn’t stop there. Jackson’s company later bought Famous Music for $370 million, acquiring the rights to songs by Elvis Presley, Shakira, Beck, and even Eminem. Ironically, Jackson ended up owning Eminem’s catalog just months after Eminem had mocked him in the song “Just Lose It.”

At its peak, Sony/ATV owned more than 2 million songs. As of 2009, these included hits by Tupac, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, and many more. Despite facing debt in his final years—reportedly owing over $500 million—Jackson’s estate managed to recover after his death and has earned over $2 billion since.

Beyond business, Jackson revolutionized music videos with cinematic storytelling in “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean.” He broke racial barriers on MTV and helped launch the era of the blockbuster music video. His style, moves—especially the iconic moonwalk—and vision inspired generations of artists like Beyoncé, Usher, and Justin Timberlake.

Michael Jackson didn’t just contribute to pop culture—he shaped it. His legacy stands as a towering symbol of innovation, excellence, and the incredible power of music. Whether through his choreography, his business moves, or his record-breaking sales, Michael Jackson truly owned the music industry.