When Michael Jackson died 4 years ago, his net worth was negative $500 million. Since then, his estate has earned $1.1 billion and grows larger daily. A new Vegas show, Michael Jackson One, opened last week and is expected to run for 10 years. A prior show, Michael Jackson - the Immortal World Tour, has run for 2 years and is expected to run for at least 2 more. Jackson has earned more money since he died than during his life and is the biggest selling artist on iTunes. He is survived by 3 children of either debatable paternity or unknown maternity, all of whom have unusual or odd names.
Several points:
1. Estates can continue to earn money after the death of the individual.
2. Estate administration can be simplified if the earnings rights are transferred to a trust.
3. Biggest selling artist on iTunes? Do baby boomers still not know how to rip their CD collections, nor share them with their children?
4. Negative $500 million net worth? A personal amusement park and zoo are expensive.
