Michael Jackson Signed 1985 Beatles Music Catalog Purchase Document

Few deals in music history are as famous - or as important - as Michael Jackson’s purchase of The Beatles music catalog in 1985. Offered here is the extraordinary original 47-page Security Agreement signed by Michael Jackson to finance his historic $47.5 million acquisition of ATV Music Publishing, which owned the rights to more than 250 Beatles classics.

Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney became friends while collaborating in the early 1980s. When Michael asked the legendary rock star for some advice, McCartney suggested music publishing - owning the rights to songs - was the way to make real money in the music business. Jackson famously joked that one day he would buy McCartney’s songs. Paul laughed it off at the time, but just a few years later, that is exactly what Michael did!

In 1985, ATV Music Publishing - which owned Northern Songs, the publishing company behind the majority of the Lennon-McCartney Beatles catalog - was put up for sale. After a lengthy pursuit, Jackson acquired ATV for $47.5 million, gaining control of one of the most important collections of popular music ever assembled. To finance the acquisition, Jackson borrowed from Chemical Bank, using his newly acquired publishing catalog as collateral.

This is the actual Security Agreement used to finance that historic deal. Dated September 6, 1985, the agreement names Michael Jackson as debtor and pledges the newly acquired publishing assets to Chemical Bank as collateral for the loan. Michael boldly signed the agreement in black ink, with his longtime attorney and advisor John Branca also signing multiple times within the complete 47-page document.

Perhaps most incredible is the list of music included in the agreement, which actually catalogs Jackson’s newly acquired publishing empire. Included are more than 250 Beatles compositions, with legendary Lennon-McCartney titles including Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Let It Be, Blackbird, All You Need Is Love, and I Want to Hold Your Hand, alongside classics associated with Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Stevie Wonder, The Everly Brothers, Sonny & Cher, and countless others. These weren't simply artists and songs referenced in a contract - they were among the actual assets securing Jackson’s loan.

The acquisition would become one of the most celebrated investments in entertainment history. Jackson’s $47.5 million purchase ultimately formed the foundation of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, with the publishing interests stemming from his investment eventually valued at nearly $900 million. What began as an audacious purchase by the 27-year-old King of Pop became one of the greatest financial moves in music-business history.

This isn't simply a Michael Jackson autograph or a document relating to his ownership of the songs - it is the financing agreement signed by Jackson that helped make his historic purchase of The Beatles catalog possible.