STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

This Day in Black History: Aug. 14, 1985

Michael Jackson bought the publishing rights to more than 250 songs by The Beatles.

In a $47 million sale, Michael Jackson purchased The Beatles' publishing rights on Aug. 141985, outbidding Paul McCartney on the supergroup's 251 songs.

Prior to the purchase, Paul McCartney and John Lennon signed a publishing agreement with a company they had part ownership of called Northern Songs.

Northern Songs was later taken over by Associated TeleVision, which later chose to sell its publishing catalog.

McCartney attempted to purchase it, but the King of Pop beat him to it.

Jackson later sold his share of the catalog to Sony in 2008.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.  

(Photos from left: Left to right: CBS /Landov, Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.