What do you think?
Rate this book
Michael Jackson, Inc.: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of a Billion-Dollar Empire
The surprising rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story of how Michael Jackson grew a billion-dollar business.
Michael Jackson is known by many as the greatest entertainer of all time, but he was also a revolutionary when it came to business. In addition to famously buying the Beatles’ publishing catalogue, Jackson was one of the first pop stars to launch his own clothing line, record label, sneakers, and video games—creating a fundamental shift in the monetization of fame and paving the way for entertainer-entrepreneurs like Jay Z and Diddy. All told, Jackson earned more than $1.1 billion in his solo career, and the assets he built in life have earned more than $700 million in the five years since his death—more than any other solo music act over that time.
Michael Jackson, Inc. reveals the incredible rise, fall, and rise again of Michael Jackson’s fortune—driven by the unmatched perfectionism of the King of Pop. Forbes senior editor Zack O’Malley Greenburg uncovers never-before-told stories from interviews with more than 100 people, including music industry veterans Berry Gordy, John Branca, and Walter Yetnikoff; artists 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, and Jon Bon Jovi; and members of the Jackson family. Other insights come from court documents and Jackson’s private notes, some of them previously unpublished. Through Greenburg’s novelistic telling, a clear picture emerges of Jackson’s early years, his rise to international superstardom, his decline—fueled by demons internal and external, as well as the dissolution of the team that helped him execute his best business moves—and, finally, his financial life after death.
Underlying Jackson’s unique history is the complex but universal tale of the effects of wealth and fame on the human psyche. A valuable case study for generations of entertainers to come and for anyone interested in show business, Michael Jackson, Inc. tells the story of a man whose financial feats, once obscured by his late-life travails, have become an enduring legacy.
Michael Jackson is known by many as the greatest entertainer of all time, but he was also a revolutionary when it came to business. In addition to famously buying the Beatles’ publishing catalogue, Jackson was one of the first pop stars to launch his own clothing line, record label, sneakers, and video games—creating a fundamental shift in the monetization of fame and paving the way for entertainer-entrepreneurs like Jay Z and Diddy. All told, Jackson earned more than $1.1 billion in his solo career, and the assets he built in life have earned more than $700 million in the five years since his death—more than any other solo music act over that time.
Michael Jackson, Inc. reveals the incredible rise, fall, and rise again of Michael Jackson’s fortune—driven by the unmatched perfectionism of the King of Pop. Forbes senior editor Zack O’Malley Greenburg uncovers never-before-told stories from interviews with more than 100 people, including music industry veterans Berry Gordy, John Branca, and Walter Yetnikoff; artists 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, and Jon Bon Jovi; and members of the Jackson family. Other insights come from court documents and Jackson’s private notes, some of them previously unpublished. Through Greenburg’s novelistic telling, a clear picture emerges of Jackson’s early years, his rise to international superstardom, his decline—fueled by demons internal and external, as well as the dissolution of the team that helped him execute his best business moves—and, finally, his financial life after death.
Underlying Jackson’s unique history is the complex but universal tale of the effects of wealth and fame on the human psyche. A valuable case study for generations of entertainers to come and for anyone interested in show business, Michael Jackson, Inc. tells the story of a man whose financial feats, once obscured by his late-life travails, have become an enduring legacy.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2014
22 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Zack O'Malley Greenburg
8 books76 followersAfter a decade as a Forbes senior editor, Zack O’Malley Greenburg now writes exclusively at Substack, where he’s serializing his fifth book, We Are All Musicians Now (sign up here). His other books include
A-List Angels: How a Band of Actors, Artists, and Athletes Hacked Silicon Valley
and the Jay-Z biography
Empire State of Mind.
He has also written for the
New York Times,
Washington Post,
Vibe,
McSweeney's
and Sports Illustrated, tackling topics from public pension fund scandals to Kanye West's quest to overtake Air Jordan. Zack has lectured at Yale, Harvard and Princeton, and appeared as an expert source for 60 Minutes, BBC, MTV and others. Full bio here.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 26, 2018
To be honest I was very much hesitant to read this book, I had it on my shelf for so long before finally forcing myself to read it. The book has a great potential and the author is crafty, however, for a person who spent many years studying, researching and following every aspect of Jackson's life and death I found many gaps in Greenburg's book.
To be more clear, it seems to me that the author didn't research well. He claimed to have over 100 sources but he seemed to only take John Branca's account on almost everything that happened and the author never once asked any of the one hundred sources about Branca. No. He swallowed everything that Branca said as a fact. Period. By the time I reached half of the book I started to wonder if the author's ulterior purpose was to write a book about John Branca.
When I reached to the last two chapters in which the author was discussing the estate after Jackson's death, my heart sunk. To my utter surprise (disgust) the author was relishing on how much the estate is doing great and how it would've never gotten this great–with as many accomplished projects if Michael were alive because he'd not approve to do this and that. Really? How could you seem this amused that he's dead so he wouldn't stop such “greatness” from materializing ? The author made it appear as if this is a happy ending.
Most of the other sources are suspicious and the other half are useless–he even interviewed Justin Bieber for crying out loud! The book needed a better editor as well.
The only positive element is that the author shed some light on Michael Jackson's financial empire and how a savvy businessman he was providing a few credible amusing stories here and there.
I tried so hard to like the book and enjoy it because there is a great potential but the author felt highly insincere and with some sort of an agenda. He took many things out of context to fit certain claims and his sources' claims. He had no understanding of Michael Jackson nor did he try to because he relied heavily on his “sources.”
Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and unfair to Jackson in many aspects and felt like the author was speaking about some sort of a myth because of the extensive lack (disregard?) of Jackson's own perspective and logic on almost everything. It's still a bit better than most of the books out there but unfortunately it offers nothing new unless you are a fan or interested to read a book about John Branca's triumph.
To be more clear, it seems to me that the author didn't research well. He claimed to have over 100 sources but he seemed to only take John Branca's account on almost everything that happened and the author never once asked any of the one hundred sources about Branca. No. He swallowed everything that Branca said as a fact. Period. By the time I reached half of the book I started to wonder if the author's ulterior purpose was to write a book about John Branca.
When I reached to the last two chapters in which the author was discussing the estate after Jackson's death, my heart sunk. To my utter surprise (disgust) the author was relishing on how much the estate is doing great and how it would've never gotten this great–with as many accomplished projects if Michael were alive because he'd not approve to do this and that. Really? How could you seem this amused that he's dead so he wouldn't stop such “greatness” from materializing ? The author made it appear as if this is a happy ending.
Most of the other sources are suspicious and the other half are useless–he even interviewed Justin Bieber for crying out loud! The book needed a better editor as well.
The only positive element is that the author shed some light on Michael Jackson's financial empire and how a savvy businessman he was providing a few credible amusing stories here and there.
I tried so hard to like the book and enjoy it because there is a great potential but the author felt highly insincere and with some sort of an agenda. He took many things out of context to fit certain claims and his sources' claims. He had no understanding of Michael Jackson nor did he try to because he relied heavily on his “sources.”
Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and unfair to Jackson in many aspects and felt like the author was speaking about some sort of a myth because of the extensive lack (disregard?) of Jackson's own perspective and logic on almost everything. It's still a bit better than most of the books out there but unfortunately it offers nothing new unless you are a fan or interested to read a book about John Branca's triumph.
December 25, 2014
I read this book in three stages – starting first from Chapter 14 – Invincible? And reading through to the end, since this is the most confusing as well as intriguing time for Michael’s business affairs, in my opinion, and probably the time least understood when the topic is raised in articles. I then went back to the Dangerous and HIStory years, and finally, having satisfied my curiosity about my favourite eras, started back at the beginning of the book.
A lot of information in Michael Jackson, Inc is familiar to the well-read MJ fan – especially anything sourced from Michael’s Moonwalk biography or from published or taped interviews. What Jack O’Malley Greenburg does is looks at the triumphs, tragedies, successes and excesses in a business context.
He adroitly connects up a lot of the dots which have remained confusing for too long with respect to who was responsible for which deals and who introduced Michael to some of the good, bad or indifferent business connections throughout his career.
Some of these names are familiar to us – but what was their background in the music (or other) business and their credentials generally for advising or steering the career of the King of Pop? For the first time I felt I had gained some understanding of some of these key players in Michael’s career. I discovered how some fleeting characters attached themselves to the Michael Jackson bandwagon – and in many instances left it in worse shape than they found it.
At no time is Michael absolved of his penchant for spending more than he earned. It’s obvious from the first hand interviews the author conducted with some individuals or information obtained from other industry sources that too many of his advisers were reluctant to say ‘no’ to Michael because they did not what to jeopardize whatever role they played in his inner circle.
Particularly when it came to perfecting his art, the word ‘no’ was not acceptable to Michael.
However, as some savvy individuals discovered, saying ‘no’ with reasonable cause could win Michael’s respect and pave the way for a successful partnership or business deal. It’s a pity there weren’t more of these scrupulous types gaining Michael’s trust in the 90s and 00s.
I guess it’s easy to look back in hindsight from the remote perspective of a fan and wonder how the most successful entertainer of all time couldn’t see he was being manipulated into lining the pockets of others at his own expense. One of MJ’s musician friends once explained to me that Michael preferred to go into a situation thinking and expecting the best of people.
Not surprisingly this would eventually change in cruel and devastating ways that must have truly wounded his spirit.
Michael Jackson, Inc is a book that actually goes beyond its brief without succumbing to sensationalism. Subsequently it succeeds in imparting greater understanding of the mechanisms at work in the entertainment industry and the influence that industry wheelers and dealers can have on an artist’s creative output.
Of course at the end with the commitment made to return to performing, Michael called back some of the team that had helped him build his business empire in the 80s. We can only wonder what might have happened if he had stuck with these individuals all the way through.
Review by Kerry Hennigan
25 Dec 2014
A lot of information in Michael Jackson, Inc is familiar to the well-read MJ fan – especially anything sourced from Michael’s Moonwalk biography or from published or taped interviews. What Jack O’Malley Greenburg does is looks at the triumphs, tragedies, successes and excesses in a business context.
He adroitly connects up a lot of the dots which have remained confusing for too long with respect to who was responsible for which deals and who introduced Michael to some of the good, bad or indifferent business connections throughout his career.
Some of these names are familiar to us – but what was their background in the music (or other) business and their credentials generally for advising or steering the career of the King of Pop? For the first time I felt I had gained some understanding of some of these key players in Michael’s career. I discovered how some fleeting characters attached themselves to the Michael Jackson bandwagon – and in many instances left it in worse shape than they found it.
At no time is Michael absolved of his penchant for spending more than he earned. It’s obvious from the first hand interviews the author conducted with some individuals or information obtained from other industry sources that too many of his advisers were reluctant to say ‘no’ to Michael because they did not what to jeopardize whatever role they played in his inner circle.
Particularly when it came to perfecting his art, the word ‘no’ was not acceptable to Michael.
However, as some savvy individuals discovered, saying ‘no’ with reasonable cause could win Michael’s respect and pave the way for a successful partnership or business deal. It’s a pity there weren’t more of these scrupulous types gaining Michael’s trust in the 90s and 00s.
I guess it’s easy to look back in hindsight from the remote perspective of a fan and wonder how the most successful entertainer of all time couldn’t see he was being manipulated into lining the pockets of others at his own expense. One of MJ’s musician friends once explained to me that Michael preferred to go into a situation thinking and expecting the best of people.
Not surprisingly this would eventually change in cruel and devastating ways that must have truly wounded his spirit.
Michael Jackson, Inc is a book that actually goes beyond its brief without succumbing to sensationalism. Subsequently it succeeds in imparting greater understanding of the mechanisms at work in the entertainment industry and the influence that industry wheelers and dealers can have on an artist’s creative output.
Of course at the end with the commitment made to return to performing, Michael called back some of the team that had helped him build his business empire in the 80s. We can only wonder what might have happened if he had stuck with these individuals all the way through.
Review by Kerry Hennigan
25 Dec 2014
February 26, 2018
Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, was at a time, the most in-demand entertainer and famous person in the world; earning approximately $1Billion USD over the course of his lifetime.
While no one would dispute his obvious talent onstage, his unconventional antics off it garnered him his other famous moniker; Wacko Jacko.
Love him or hate him, Greenburg’s book goes deep behind the powerhouse that was the Jackson brand, showing a business savvy and shrewd operator who’s main downfall was lack of a trusted advisor to tell him, No!
Michael Jackson Inc. tracks the prolific rags to riches to rags to riches story of one the most polarising yet iconic figures of all time.
While no one would dispute his obvious talent onstage, his unconventional antics off it garnered him his other famous moniker; Wacko Jacko.
Love him or hate him, Greenburg’s book goes deep behind the powerhouse that was the Jackson brand, showing a business savvy and shrewd operator who’s main downfall was lack of a trusted advisor to tell him, No!
Michael Jackson Inc. tracks the prolific rags to riches to rags to riches story of one the most polarising yet iconic figures of all time.
February 24, 2021
To this day The King of Pop remains a Thrilling subject for me. I mean, true royalty had become scarce even back in the 20th century, not to mention the 21st. Kings and Queens are becoming a rare commodity... hard to come by nowadays. **Thankfully, Lilibet is still going STONG at 94, with at least 94-more left in her: you go girl!**
This book, however, explores a very different side to MJ - his role as the "CEO" of his own brand. This may sound all too common in today with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Dr. Dre having their fingers in just about every pie aside from music - sneakers, headphones, clothing and etc. etc. etc. - but back in nineteen dickety two (or whenever Michael was the Bad motherfucker that he was), stepping outside the music biz was cocky for an artist. But hell if that stopped The Gloved One~! Music videos? Re-vo-lu-tio-nized. Music publishing? Conquered! Fashion? Redefined! Movies? Done. Sneakers? Well... you know, nobody's perfect... There were issues... I mean, why even go there... A fair attempt on his part... Hey, nobody's perfect! Lay off.
ANYWAYS. It seems like the author painted a pretty fair portrait of MJ: no business genius, but a curious mind, constantly learning from many mentors on his way up, developing a broad understanding of any business he poked his [snub] nose into. Though his decisions were driven by instincts and intuition, more than hard numbers and data, he managed to moonwalk his way into a billion dollar empire. But I wonder how much was it "decisionS" than "decision" (you know, singular). The Way the Book Made Me Feel was that the one truly brilliant move he made in his career was buying the ATV catalog ("The Beatles catalogue" in layman's terms). That impulse buy gave him a nearly bottomless (credit) bank account for those many years he decided to... well, basically chill and "not work" in his own words. Other than that it was the albums that put bread [and Demerol] on the table. Yet, even all of them album-generated schmeckles couldn't save him from the financial ruin the Man in the Mirror found himself in by the end of his rollercoaster life. And just think, what a silly billy would MJ feel like, if he knew that after dying one step away from bankruptcy, it took his estate managers only 5x short years to resurrect Michael Jackson, Inc. and only 10x years to match his entire career earning (spanning 30 years), turning him into a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire by 2021.
This book was published in 2014 and I would love to see a second volume covering 2015-2020, because, you know... in 2019 this rinky-dink television network known as HBO released a less than flattering documentary called 'Leaving Neverland'. If I could rate all of Michael's documentaries, I'd put 'This Is It' firmly at #1, then 'Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon' at #2 and 'Leaving Neverland' at somewhere between #JesusFuckingChrist and #FuckRightOff.
This book, however, explores a very different side to MJ - his role as the "CEO" of his own brand. This may sound all too common in today with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Dr. Dre having their fingers in just about every pie aside from music - sneakers, headphones, clothing and etc. etc. etc. - but back in nineteen dickety two (or whenever Michael was the Bad motherfucker that he was), stepping outside the music biz was cocky for an artist. But hell if that stopped The Gloved One~! Music videos? Re-vo-lu-tio-nized. Music publishing? Conquered! Fashion? Redefined! Movies? Done. Sneakers? Well... you know, nobody's perfect... There were issues... I mean, why even go there... A fair attempt on his part... Hey, nobody's perfect! Lay off.
ANYWAYS. It seems like the author painted a pretty fair portrait of MJ: no business genius, but a curious mind, constantly learning from many mentors on his way up, developing a broad understanding of any business he poked his [snub] nose into. Though his decisions were driven by instincts and intuition, more than hard numbers and data, he managed to moonwalk his way into a billion dollar empire. But I wonder how much was it "decisionS" than "decision" (you know, singular). The Way the Book Made Me Feel was that the one truly brilliant move he made in his career was buying the ATV catalog ("The Beatles catalogue" in layman's terms). That impulse buy gave him a nearly bottomless (credit) bank account for those many years he decided to... well, basically chill and "not work" in his own words. Other than that it was the albums that put bread [and Demerol] on the table. Yet, even all of them album-generated schmeckles couldn't save him from the financial ruin the Man in the Mirror found himself in by the end of his rollercoaster life. And just think, what a silly billy would MJ feel like, if he knew that after dying one step away from bankruptcy, it took his estate managers only 5x short years to resurrect Michael Jackson, Inc. and only 10x years to match his entire career earning (spanning 30 years), turning him into a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire by 2021.
This book was published in 2014 and I would love to see a second volume covering 2015-2020, because, you know... in 2019 this rinky-dink television network known as HBO released a less than flattering documentary called 'Leaving Neverland'. If I could rate all of Michael's documentaries, I'd put 'This Is It' firmly at #1, then 'Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon' at #2 and 'Leaving Neverland' at somewhere between #JesusFuckingChrist and #FuckRightOff.
May 26, 2023
I think this book is a great look into Michael Jackson, the larger than life entertainer. This book gives some interesting perspectives about all sorts of different eras in Michael’s career. I found the Invincible section to be highly fascinating as well as the 1980s information. Michael was very well-rounded into his business very early on into his career & had great control over it until about 2003 & until the end of his life. Michael lost complete control of who he was & his business because of the false allegations that plagued Michael’s life. I don’t blame him for losing himself; he didn’t deserve that whatsoever. But one thing that is absolutely astonishing is Michael’s insight on what Marvel comics would become for films. Michael knew they’d become a blockbuster success & he wanted to be apart of that. But I must mention there is some inaccuracies in this book compared to Michael Jacksons own autobiography “Moonwalker” & other books written by Michael’s entourage but i’d say otherwise it seems to be done with great research & the author seems to be a very respectable researcher of Michael. He seemed to definitely show favorable light on him as well as point out things to show Michael’s human side.
3.5/5.⭐️
A great book about Michael Jackson. I’d definitely recommend.
3.5/5.⭐️
A great book about Michael Jackson. I’d definitely recommend.
March 10, 2017
هذا الكتاب الرائع كان على رف مكتبتي منذ ٣ سنوات
وهو عن حياة مايكل جاكسون الشخصية/المالية، أحسن الكاتب باستعراض وبحث كل الجوانب المثيرة في حياة المغني المثير للجدل، وكيف حقق مبيعات تجاوزت ٧٠٠ مليون دولار بعد وفاته، ليكون المغني الأكثر ربحاً في التاريخ.
مايكل لم يكن مجرد مغني، كان المنتج ورجل الاعمال والكاتب والملحن ومصمم الرقصات لأغانيه .. كان الفنان الذي يملك فنه؛ كما كان يقول
وينصح المغنيين الصغار.
كتاب عظيم
وهو عن حياة مايكل جاكسون الشخصية/المالية، أحسن الكاتب باستعراض وبحث كل الجوانب المثيرة في حياة المغني المثير للجدل، وكيف حقق مبيعات تجاوزت ٧٠٠ مليون دولار بعد وفاته، ليكون المغني الأكثر ربحاً في التاريخ.
مايكل لم يكن مجرد مغني، كان المنتج ورجل الاعمال والكاتب والملحن ومصمم الرقصات لأغانيه .. كان الفنان الذي يملك فنه؛ كما كان يقول
وينصح المغنيين الصغار.
كتاب عظيم
August 7, 2014
As Zack Greenburg walks his reader through the maze of Michael Jackson's financial life, he demonstrates how the thread that ran through all of the phenomenal, record-breaking successes of the King of Pop was the man himself.
As in most things Michael Jackson, the media have typically provided over-the-top and misleading coverage of MJ's business dealings, overlooking his entrepreneurial prowess, visionary acumen, and genius. Zack reveals the surprising inside stories of MJ's acquisition of the largest music catalog in history, of his fantastical 2700-acre Neverland that reflected his core personality, and of the stratospheric earning power of the King of Pop. He also interprets the downfall of MJ and of his financial status in a thorough, credible, and interesting way, in parts difficult to read because of the pathos and victimhood in the story.
Although the public was fed negatively skewed material about MJ's finances across the years, Zack shows how the lens and yardstick with which MJ was perceived and measured were generally inaccurate and distorted. He presents the reader with a fascinating case study of the King of Entrepreneurship, who set the bar in so many areas for other artists to follow his lead. He was a game changer, whose soft voice and steel will combined to effect new ways of marketing music and monetizing celebrity. MJ studied the greats - in music, dance, and finance - and then became greater, a goal that he set for himself as a very young man.
MJ was indeed a trail-blazer in everything he did - dance, music, film, life-style, philanthropy - with risk-taking decision-making, out-of-the-box thinking, driving ambition, and a level of perfectionism that fueled his bigger-and-better obsession. And MJ achieved his #1 status in the music industry in spite of his poverty-level childhood, barriers of racism, and numerous obstacles that included false charges of criminal behavior related to children.
Using insights from his own background as a child star, Zack Greenburg demonstrates a real understanding of the "delicious, terrible, reality-bending world of show business." MJ dealt with that world for his entire 50-year life. He went from very poor to very wealthy to both poor and wealthy at the same time! During his last years MJ held valuable assets but was cash poor, which situation compelled him to return to rigorous preparations for a return to the stage. His untimely death, at the hands of his doctor who was treating him for insomnia with inappropriate drugs, ironically reversed the downward spiral of MJ's finances with dizzying speed. Today he is the highest-earning celebrity, and it was his intelligence, hard work, and creativity that have achieved that pinnacle.
Zack's writing is both fluid and powerful. It is somewhat similar to poetry in that he uses vivid images, similes, metaphors, and concise sentences. The writing style is one of the greatest strengths of this book. Having interviewed more than 100 people from MJ's life from various periods of his life, Zack also used many other primary sources to validate his extensive research.
Michael Jackson, Inc. is a must-read for Michael Jackson fans and for anyone who is interested in the financial workings of show business. It is a compelling study of the cost of fame and fortune and of the mind of the genius who was Michael Jackson.
Karen Moriarty, Author, "Defending A King ~ His Life & Legacy"
As in most things Michael Jackson, the media have typically provided over-the-top and misleading coverage of MJ's business dealings, overlooking his entrepreneurial prowess, visionary acumen, and genius. Zack reveals the surprising inside stories of MJ's acquisition of the largest music catalog in history, of his fantastical 2700-acre Neverland that reflected his core personality, and of the stratospheric earning power of the King of Pop. He also interprets the downfall of MJ and of his financial status in a thorough, credible, and interesting way, in parts difficult to read because of the pathos and victimhood in the story.
Although the public was fed negatively skewed material about MJ's finances across the years, Zack shows how the lens and yardstick with which MJ was perceived and measured were generally inaccurate and distorted. He presents the reader with a fascinating case study of the King of Entrepreneurship, who set the bar in so many areas for other artists to follow his lead. He was a game changer, whose soft voice and steel will combined to effect new ways of marketing music and monetizing celebrity. MJ studied the greats - in music, dance, and finance - and then became greater, a goal that he set for himself as a very young man.
MJ was indeed a trail-blazer in everything he did - dance, music, film, life-style, philanthropy - with risk-taking decision-making, out-of-the-box thinking, driving ambition, and a level of perfectionism that fueled his bigger-and-better obsession. And MJ achieved his #1 status in the music industry in spite of his poverty-level childhood, barriers of racism, and numerous obstacles that included false charges of criminal behavior related to children.
Using insights from his own background as a child star, Zack Greenburg demonstrates a real understanding of the "delicious, terrible, reality-bending world of show business." MJ dealt with that world for his entire 50-year life. He went from very poor to very wealthy to both poor and wealthy at the same time! During his last years MJ held valuable assets but was cash poor, which situation compelled him to return to rigorous preparations for a return to the stage. His untimely death, at the hands of his doctor who was treating him for insomnia with inappropriate drugs, ironically reversed the downward spiral of MJ's finances with dizzying speed. Today he is the highest-earning celebrity, and it was his intelligence, hard work, and creativity that have achieved that pinnacle.
Zack's writing is both fluid and powerful. It is somewhat similar to poetry in that he uses vivid images, similes, metaphors, and concise sentences. The writing style is one of the greatest strengths of this book. Having interviewed more than 100 people from MJ's life from various periods of his life, Zack also used many other primary sources to validate his extensive research.
Michael Jackson, Inc. is a must-read for Michael Jackson fans and for anyone who is interested in the financial workings of show business. It is a compelling study of the cost of fame and fortune and of the mind of the genius who was Michael Jackson.
Karen Moriarty, Author, "Defending A King ~ His Life & Legacy"
July 3, 2014
I found this book fascinating on several levels. First of all, just on a human level, I loved hearing about the beginnings of MJ's music career singing with his siblings in the Jackson 5. It was there that not just his family but other critics saw a unique talent in Michael that was not present in the other members of the singing group. Joe Jackson, MJ's father, started out managing the Jackson 5 and then seeing that MJ had unique talent, began pushing him to sing. The rest is history. As he became more and more of a successful celebrity figure, his perfectionism drove him to ever greater levels of entertainment. He became almost his own worst enemy, never being satisfied with anything he did until it had become the biggest, best, most extravagant ... and promised to bring in the biggest cash flow. I had never really read anything about MJ and had only really read what was in the papers ... often reflecting sensational stories that were circulated at the time but were not altogether true ... and some just plain false.
His business mind was what came as a surprise to me. MJ was one of the most business savvy of entertainers. He had some early good advisers but really made a lot of his own business decisions and had ideas that were original with him. The result was a multimillion dollar career in music that not only successful in life, but left his children an estate that has continued to be incredibly lucrative.
I feel like the one thing that would have kept MJ more balanced in life, would have been a healthy dose of humility that comes from understanding that there is room for only one God in our lives ... the one who created us to love and worship and serve and submit to Him. Michael began to have what seemed to me a unhealthy idea that he could be perfect ... that he was invincible ... and only One is perfect and invincible... and that One is God Himself.
His business mind was what came as a surprise to me. MJ was one of the most business savvy of entertainers. He had some early good advisers but really made a lot of his own business decisions and had ideas that were original with him. The result was a multimillion dollar career in music that not only successful in life, but left his children an estate that has continued to be incredibly lucrative.
I feel like the one thing that would have kept MJ more balanced in life, would have been a healthy dose of humility that comes from understanding that there is room for only one God in our lives ... the one who created us to love and worship and serve and submit to Him. Michael began to have what seemed to me a unhealthy idea that he could be perfect ... that he was invincible ... and only One is perfect and invincible... and that One is God Himself.
September 3, 2018
I received a pre-release copy of this book from a local bookstore and would consider it one of the best books I have read all year. Rather than focus on Michael Jackson as an individual, this book describes his business genius and how he built an empire. Changed my perception of "the king of pop". Well written, informative, and interesting.
July 29, 2017
Jackson's estate is generating mad cash to this day.
$100,000,000's. Jay-Z Puff Diddy Dr Dre eat your hearts out
$100,000,000's. Jay-Z Puff Diddy Dr Dre eat your hearts out
December 19, 2019
if you are Michael Jackson fan then you already know a lot written in this book, there was nothing new. but it's a good read
December 20, 2023
"Michael Jackson, Inc.: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of a Billion-Dollar Empire" offers a compelling and insightful exploration into the complex life and career of the King of Pop. The book effortlessly weaves together the narrative of Michael Jackson's artistic brilliance with the tragic aspects of his personal and financial struggles. What makes this read particularly engaging is its accessibility; the author manages to convey intricate details about the music industry and Jackson's business dealings in a clear and digestible manner. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of Jackson's discipline and dedication to his craft, juxtaposed with the stark lack of discipline in managing his vast financial empire and relationships. The book serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the challenges faced by even the most iconic figures when it comes to navigating fame, fortune, and personal life.
In delving into the rise, fall, and rebirth of Jackson's billion-dollar empire, the author skillfully captures the essence of the pop legend's journey, making it a poignant and reflective experience for the reader. The tragedy lies not only in Jackson's untimely demise but also in the mismanagement of his financial affairs and the strained relationships that unfolded. This biography goes beyond the surface, offering a nuanced portrayal of a complex individual whose impact on the music industry was profound but whose personal struggles often overshadowed his achievements. "Michael Jackson, Inc." is a must-read for fans and those intrigued by the intersection of talent, wealth, and the challenges that accompany international superstardom.
In delving into the rise, fall, and rebirth of Jackson's billion-dollar empire, the author skillfully captures the essence of the pop legend's journey, making it a poignant and reflective experience for the reader. The tragedy lies not only in Jackson's untimely demise but also in the mismanagement of his financial affairs and the strained relationships that unfolded. This biography goes beyond the surface, offering a nuanced portrayal of a complex individual whose impact on the music industry was profound but whose personal struggles often overshadowed his achievements. "Michael Jackson, Inc." is a must-read for fans and those intrigued by the intersection of talent, wealth, and the challenges that accompany international superstardom.
October 11, 2019
Michael Jackson lives on. I’ve not met anyone who hate Michael Jackson or regard him amateurish musician. He was—and is still—the undisputed King of Pop. This book informs me about the real MJ: his eccentrics, his humane side, his childish side, his business side. The Michael that I don't seen on screen or hear from speakers. That after all, he was only a humanbeing like all of us. I was not particularly familiar with the astute businessman, the intellectual side of Michael Jackson. This book opened my eyes to all that I didn’t previously know about Jackson. I especially loved the first two chapters of the book: His childhood upbringing and development of his music career. The author did a thorough job in the research. The style of writing is incredible. Overall, this book was a captivating read. There are so many takeaways from the book. And I think entrepreneurs and Business students will find this book educative.
September 11, 2020
Where the book sticks hardest to its premise -- the story of Jackson's career through the lens of his business dealings -- it's quite good, at times fascinating. Everywhere else, the author's Forbes background shows itself in rote recitation of the story of Jackson's career, the way it takes those interviewed too much at face value, and *especially* in its far too sympathetic treatment of the allegations against Jackson in the '90s and '00s.
TL;DR when it stays in its lane, Michael Jackson, Inc is a fresh look at a largely ignored aspect of his impact on the entertainment industry, unfortunately weighed down by its approach to everything else about him.
Recommended if you have an interest.
TL;DR when it stays in its lane, Michael Jackson, Inc is a fresh look at a largely ignored aspect of his impact on the entertainment industry, unfortunately weighed down by its approach to everything else about him.
Recommended if you have an interest.
November 1, 2018
This was the first music business biography I have ever read! The author, Zach O’Malley Greenburg does a phenomenal job discovering how Michael pursued his business interest. I would love to read more business biographies on other legends from the industry.
From the inception of his music career, Michael received bad management, his dad Joe Jackson was clearly out to make money. This mentality left Michael with a "must have attitude." If you look at the numbers they are flat out staggering, not what Michael took in but what was going out. I feel that his biggest asset was John Branca.
Mr.Branca was hired after Joe Jackson was fired and played a huge part in the production of Thriller along with obtaining the rights to the ATV catalog.
Lessons to be learned from this book. If you want to be the best in the industry than you need to create content that sells and you need to study your ass off. Michael was an avid reader and asked good questions.
From the inception of his music career, Michael received bad management, his dad Joe Jackson was clearly out to make money. This mentality left Michael with a "must have attitude." If you look at the numbers they are flat out staggering, not what Michael took in but what was going out. I feel that his biggest asset was John Branca.
Mr.Branca was hired after Joe Jackson was fired and played a huge part in the production of Thriller along with obtaining the rights to the ATV catalog.
Lessons to be learned from this book. If you want to be the best in the industry than you need to create content that sells and you need to study your ass off. Michael was an avid reader and asked good questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2025
A fascinating look at Michael Jackson's innovations in music and creating a business empire. Written by a Forber's reporter, Greenberg interviewed many first-hand sources from family (mother, father and siblings) to record producers and publishers (Berry Gordon and head of Sony records) to his business managers and lawyers. Jackson was ahead of his time in promoting record sales through videos and acquiring music publishing rights. His rise and fall follow his personal successes and failures. This book also provided an in-depth look at the music business with musicians like Jay Z following his example.
February 19, 2024
amazing how music’s first billionaire didn’t care about money but the success just followed—michael’s heart was always for the people & his devotion to underprivileged groups is again highlighted in this book. he never wasted anyone’s time, he treated everyone with respect, and he never let go of his humility 🖤
i appreciate how o’malley proved michael’s innocence through actual concrete facts. it’s also cool to get a glimpse inside a genius’s head—“he was so far advanced in the way he thought about things.” legend!
i appreciate how o’malley proved michael’s innocence through actual concrete facts. it’s also cool to get a glimpse inside a genius’s head—“he was so far advanced in the way he thought about things.” legend!
July 27, 2024
interesting overview of MJ's financial career, with anecdotes and stories that I've never heard before (such as Michael Jackson wanting to buy Marvel Comics in the 1990's!) which is surprising as I've read dozens of books about Michael Jackson.
He really was on the right track to turn his life and career around before the unfortunate circumstances of 6/25/09.
Great read if you a casual fan or looking for insight into MJ's financial history and career overview.
He really was on the right track to turn his life and career around before the unfortunate circumstances of 6/25/09.
Great read if you a casual fan or looking for insight into MJ's financial history and career overview.
March 28, 2021
“The Michael Jackson cacophony is fascinating in that it is not about Jackson at all. I hope he has the good sense to know it and the good fortune to snatch his life out of the jaws of a carnivorous success. He will not swiftly be forgiven for having turned so many tables" - James Baldwin, 1985
Fascinating read into the business of music publishing
Fascinating read into the business of music publishing
February 20, 2022
A compelling take on an fraught legacy
December 18, 2023
Just finished this book and all I can say is Michael Jackson will forever be the best at what he did. His end was rather sad. But all in all he was a great force in music and business.
February 16, 2025
Great book with detail of MJs life and respectively
November 16, 2025
thrilling story made it hard to stop reading
March 15, 2025
You have to be a huge nerd to even want to take a close look at just the business side of Michael Jackson's work. But I am a big fan, so I read this book. As a fan, however, I couldn't help but notice two flaws:
a) Things are missing. If the author decided to not go with certain explanations, he could have mentioned them at least, as he does with others.
b) The author praises the executors of the estate, especially John Branca, so much. It makes him look like a Branca fan instead of a critical thinker.
Overall, there is some interesting information to be found, but it is not a must-read.
a) Things are missing. If the author decided to not go with certain explanations, he could have mentioned them at least, as he does with others.
b) The author praises the executors of the estate, especially John Branca, so much. It makes him look like a Branca fan instead of a critical thinker.
Overall, there is some interesting information to be found, but it is not a must-read.
July 3, 2014
Zack O'Malley Greenburg has done his research and interviews for his book and it shows. This book could have gotten bogged down with information about Michael Jackson's personal life but Greenburg never let's that happen. He assumes that the reader has some knowledge of the performer and focuses mostly on his business life. Discussing how Jackson at a young age already showed a giving nature by taking the money earned performing with the Jackson 5 and buying candy for other children in the neighborhood.
I found it interesting that Jackson was so hands on with his business dealings. Instead of people deciding his opportunities Jackson was hands on many times approaching people with business ideas before he was approached.
This hands on attitude was also prominent in his work touring and recording. A couple different people share stories of how he wanted to know every job around the tour worked. One example was how the lighting system worked so that he could better describe what effects he wanted on stage and also understand what the lighting technician was telling him.
Everyone interviewed talks about how he was a genius at business and was well learned, reading everything he could get his hands on and constantly asking questions. One of the areas he was very educated in, thanks in part to Paul McCartney, was acquiring music publishing. It is thought that he would purchased the publishing rights to songs that he intended on recording in the future.
Greenburg does cover some of the child molestation stories but only as how they relate to his business and money earning. Also discussed is how Jackson went from having one of the best circles of business advisers to letting them go and hiring people that many questioned why they were working with him. He also go involved in some questionable business deals and started spending more time in courtrooms than performing.
I would suggest this book for anyone that is interested in the music industry and want a view of how it works from the actual business side. It helps that this education comes from the books of a musician that earned billions of dollars and foolishly spent a lot of it to only go back to having billions after dying.
I found it interesting that Jackson was so hands on with his business dealings. Instead of people deciding his opportunities Jackson was hands on many times approaching people with business ideas before he was approached.
This hands on attitude was also prominent in his work touring and recording. A couple different people share stories of how he wanted to know every job around the tour worked. One example was how the lighting system worked so that he could better describe what effects he wanted on stage and also understand what the lighting technician was telling him.
Everyone interviewed talks about how he was a genius at business and was well learned, reading everything he could get his hands on and constantly asking questions. One of the areas he was very educated in, thanks in part to Paul McCartney, was acquiring music publishing. It is thought that he would purchased the publishing rights to songs that he intended on recording in the future.
Greenburg does cover some of the child molestation stories but only as how they relate to his business and money earning. Also discussed is how Jackson went from having one of the best circles of business advisers to letting them go and hiring people that many questioned why they were working with him. He also go involved in some questionable business deals and started spending more time in courtrooms than performing.
I would suggest this book for anyone that is interested in the music industry and want a view of how it works from the actual business side. It helps that this education comes from the books of a musician that earned billions of dollars and foolishly spent a lot of it to only go back to having billions after dying.
December 19, 2014
It took a while getting through this book, because I found myself going to YouTube again and again to see the video that matched the songs mentioned in the book. It was a real breath of fresh air watching the young Michael Jackson singing and dancing with his brothers. Even at such a young age, it is quite evident that he had great talent.
The book also mentions a documentary about Michael's life. The documentary is a very slanted, sensational look at Michael's facial surgeries and sleepovers. Greenburg's book allows me to see a very different Michael than the documentary is trying to portray. Michael grew up without benefit of enjoying his own childhood, with a very abusive father. For this reason, he is very giving to children, and aware of his facial features. By this time in his life, he is also using some of the strange techniques he learned from reading "Humbug" by P.T. Barnum, and some really wild stories are circulating about him.
After reading the book, the documentary takes on a whole new life. I can see the Michael who never wants to grow up, living in Peter Pan's Neverland, and climbing a tree in his back yard. I see the patience he has for the fans who reach out to him, and the autographs and hugs he gives to those adoring fans. Most of all, I see the love he has for his own children, and the needy children he invites to his zoo and park.
The book also mentions a documentary about Michael's life. The documentary is a very slanted, sensational look at Michael's facial surgeries and sleepovers. Greenburg's book allows me to see a very different Michael than the documentary is trying to portray. Michael grew up without benefit of enjoying his own childhood, with a very abusive father. For this reason, he is very giving to children, and aware of his facial features. By this time in his life, he is also using some of the strange techniques he learned from reading "Humbug" by P.T. Barnum, and some really wild stories are circulating about him.
After reading the book, the documentary takes on a whole new life. I can see the Michael who never wants to grow up, living in Peter Pan's Neverland, and climbing a tree in his back yard. I see the patience he has for the fans who reach out to him, and the autographs and hugs he gives to those adoring fans. Most of all, I see the love he has for his own children, and the needy children he invites to his zoo and park.
September 5, 2016
Since I was 5 years old I became a Michael Jackson fan, thanks to his BAD album and worldwide dominion at the time. I remember seeing magic manifest on TV and I was hooked. Now at age 32 I am grateful to have been alive when the King of Pop was alive. I remember where I was in particular instances of my life when a new song, a new video and any new venture came out from Him. Basically I am his biggest fan on the small island of Malta, and that sure would suffice as an under-statement.
As a fan I highly recommend this book. I learnt a lot of new things about the King of Pop by reading this book. We all knew about Michael Jackson's artistic genius, but not everybody knew about his business acumen. While in this book, one can read about His artistic collaborations and successes, the reader is given a perspective of the business modus of operandi of Michael Jackson. He broke all records, not just in charity, in concert attendance and album sales, but also in business deals for an artist. This book therefore is not only for the fans but also for those studying business, and for any other person who wants to study the greats.
MJ once said 'study the greats and become greater'. He lived by this motto and it showed all through his perfectionism in whichever area he worked.
As a fan I highly recommend this book. I learnt a lot of new things about the King of Pop by reading this book. We all knew about Michael Jackson's artistic genius, but not everybody knew about his business acumen. While in this book, one can read about His artistic collaborations and successes, the reader is given a perspective of the business modus of operandi of Michael Jackson. He broke all records, not just in charity, in concert attendance and album sales, but also in business deals for an artist. This book therefore is not only for the fans but also for those studying business, and for any other person who wants to study the greats.
MJ once said 'study the greats and become greater'. He lived by this motto and it showed all through his perfectionism in whichever area he worked.
April 1, 2015
Michael Jackson, Inc. is a well researched book that details and transitions well from one chapter of Michael's life to the next. The layout and order of the book helped me to understand a little more completely how and where Michael's commanding oversight and financial wisdom may have been overtaken by doubts and poor decisions - which is what I found myself struggling with after recently reading "Remember the Time" about the last years of Michael Jackson's life.
The first hand interviews and cited sources were beneficial - I have to admit to being a bit jealous that the author got to talk to John Branca at least three times.
And I loved the cover art.
Despite the obvious research that went into writing this book, which was well-written and transitioned from one topic to the next, I couldn't help feeling that there was something missing. Some spark or deeply rooted curiousity or ... something.
The first hand interviews and cited sources were beneficial - I have to admit to being a bit jealous that the author got to talk to John Branca at least three times.
And I loved the cover art.
Despite the obvious research that went into writing this book, which was well-written and transitioned from one topic to the next, I couldn't help feeling that there was something missing. Some spark or deeply rooted curiousity or ... something.
August 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I think Zack did an amazing job of interviewing a lot of people and compiling a lot of info into a book that is packed with a lot of facts and figures and details but is still thoroughly entertaining. I think this book is the best book on the market, maybe the only book on the market, when it comes to Michael Jackson as a business man. It really gives an in depth look into Michael as the great business man that he was and I think it is a must read for any Michael Jackson fan.
June 3, 2016
A fascinating look behind the scenes of the MJ empire and a look into his life pre, during and post his heyday and untimely death. I can remember hearing a lot of the crazy press and allegations that surrounded him when I was growing up, it is nice to hear a more balanced and objective viewpoint and to find out more about the whole person. Clearly a troubled individual with obsessive perfectionist tenancies when it came to his work but a lot of very positive things about him too and a whole lot about the industry that I had no idea of. Enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews