Paul McCartney Reflects On His Feud With Michael Jackson Over The Beatles Catalog

In the heart of London, during a chilly Christmas season, a phone call changed the course of a musician’s life. Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatle, was at home, enjoying the festive spirit when his phone rang. The voice on the other end was familiar yet unexpected. It was Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, reaching out with an intriguing proposition: “Do you want to make some hits?”

Paul, always eager to create, responded with enthusiasm, “Yeah, sure I do.” The two icons agreed to meet, and soon Michael flew over to England. Their initial meeting was filled with excitement and camaraderie. They spent time getting to know each other, sharing stories, and ultimately, they began writing songs together. The chemistry was palpable; they were feeding off each other’s creativity, and the session turned out to be a delightful experience.

As they collaborated, Paul found himself impressed by Michael’s talent and charisma. “He’s a great fella,” Paul would later say, reminiscing about their time together. They produced a couple of records and even filmed a music video, solidifying their friendship in the process. Michael was not just a collaborator; he was a genuine friend.

During their discussions, Michael sought advice from Paul, who had navigated the music industry for years. Paul shared his insights, emphasizing the importance of having a good manager and the potential of music publishing as a lucrative business. “You ought to think about music publishing,” Paul advised. “It’s a rewarding business because it’s music, it’s beautiful songs.”

However, the conversation took an unexpected turn when Michael, with a twinkle in his eye, jokingly remarked, “I’m going to get your songs.” Paul laughed it off, thinking it was just a playful jest. But as weeks passed, Michael repeated the statement, and Paul began to wonder if there was more to it than just a joke.

Then came the shocking news: “Michael Jackson has bought Northern Songs.” Paul was taken aback. Northern Songs was the publishing company that held the rights to many of The Beatles’ iconic songs. The realization hit him hard. Michael, who had once sought his advice, was now in a position to control the very songs Paul had written with John Lennon.

Reflecting on his early days with John, Paul recalled how they had naively believed that songs were ethereal, floating in the air for everyone to share. They had no idea about the complexities of music publishing until they met their first publisher, who explained the harsh reality of ownership. “You want to bet,” the publisher had said when they questioned the sale of their songs. It was a lesson learned too late.

As Paul navigated the emotional turmoil of Michael’s acquisition, he felt a mix of admiration and betrayal. He had once considered Michael a friend, someone with whom he shared a creative bond. But now, he was faced with the reality that their friendship was intertwined with business interests. Paul felt uncomfortable at the thought of Michael owning the rights to his and John’s creations.

In a moment of vulnerability, Paul reached out to Yoko Ono, John’s widow, to discuss the possibility of buying back their songs. “We’ve got a chance to buy these songs,” he told her, proposing a partnership. Yoko, ever the pragmatist, suggested they could negotiate a lower price. However, the final asking price was astronomical, and Paul felt the weight of their past decisions pressing down on him.

Despite the financial implications, Paul couldn’t shake the feeling that their songs deserved to be treated with respect and integrity. He remembered the offers they had turned down during their Beatles days—commercials that would have used their music for profit. They had always believed that selling out would devalue their art, and now, watching their songs being commercialized felt like a betrayal of that principle.

Paul and Michael’s relationship began to shift. They had once shared a bond over music, but now it was strained by business decisions and differing philosophies. Paul tried to address his concerns with Michael, but the conversation often ended with Michael brushing him off, insisting, “That’s just business, Paul.” To Paul, it was more than just business; it was about friendship and the moral implications of their choices.

As time went on, the distance between them grew. There was no dramatic fallout, just a gradual drifting apart. Paul missed the camaraderie they once shared, but he couldn’t ignore the changes in their relationship. Michael remained a massively talented individual, but the friendship they had built was overshadowed by the complexities of the music industry.

Though their relationship drifted apart, Paul never lost respect for Michael’s undeniable genius and his incredible contribution to music and culture. He often reflected on the time they spent writing songs together, seeing it as a unique moment when two generations of music icons connected, inspired, and pushed each other’s artistic boundaries.

Paul also learned valuable lessons about the business side of the arts that he carried with him ever forward. He came to understand that behind the magic of melody and lyrics lies a landscape of negotiations, contracts, and ownership, all of which impact how art is shared and preserved. This knowledge shaped how he approached his own catalog with greater care and mindfulness.

Despite the challenges, Paul found solace in the timelessness of the songs themselves. Music, after all, transcends deals and dollars. It lives in the hearts of those who listen, and it continues to inspire new generations. That was a legacy that neither he nor Michael could ever fully own or control.

In honoring that legacy, Paul dedicated himself not only to his own creations but also to protecting their integrity. He remained cautious about how his music was used commercially, steadfast in his belief that some things are meant to remain pure expressions of art and emotion rather than mere commodities.

Over time, Paul came to terms with the complicated chapter of his life involving Michael Jackson and Northern Songs. It was a reminder that even among friends, the realities of business sometimes prevail. But it also underscored the power of collaboration and the beauty that can arise when great minds meet.

He remembered Michael not just as the pop icon, but as a man with whom he had shared laughter, creativity, and vision. And in tribute to that friendship and the music they made together, Paul embraced the hope that their songs would continue to inspire, spark joy, and bring people together for many years to come.

As he looked back, Paul felt grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Michael, to have been part of that musical bridge between eras. Though their paths had diverged, the spirit of music united them forever.

The story of Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson remains a testament to the enduring power of art, friendship, and the complex dance between passion and business—reminding us all that behind every hit song is a story worth telling.

Michael Jackson’s daughter: Just engaged, owns a fortune of 150 million USD

Affectionate photos captured the moment music producer Justin Long got down on one knee and proposed to Paris Jackson. The daughter of the “King of Pop” wrote: “Happy birthday to my sweet angel Blue. The years with you have been a whirlwind beyond words and I couldn’t have dreamed of anyone more perfect to do it all with. Thank you for coming. I love you.”

Paris also shared a photo of Justin Long wearing a large rectangular diamond ring on her finger. Many friends, colleagues and fans sent their blessings to Paris and Justin. 

Paris Jackson and Justin Long have been secretly dating since 2022. Music and passion for art are considered the connection between the two artists.

Paris Jackson’s future husband is a producer and music engineer who has worked with many famous artists such as: 5 Seconds of Summer, The Wombats, Nickel Creek and Grace Potter.

On the Secret Sonics podcast in 2020, Justin Long admitted that he started playing music at a young age with piano lessons before moving into music production. He is also known as an entrepreneur, creating a personal habit tracker and diary.

Before dating Justin Long, Paris Jackson had a tumultuous relationship with singer Gabriel Glenn for 2 years. The couple confirmed their breakup in 2021.

Talking about her old love, Paris once confided: “It was the deepest, most intense love I’ve ever had, but also the most intense betrayal I’ve ever experienced.”

Paris Jackson (born 1998), is one of the children of Michael Jackson and his second wife – Debbie Rowe. She has an older brother named Prince and a younger brother Bigi Jackson (formerly known as Blanket). 

As the daughter of one of the world’s most famous stars, Paris Jackson had a turbulent childhood, always in the spotlight of international media. When Paris was 11 years old, her father suddenly passed away. Paris and her siblings moved to live with their grandmother. 

Paris’ childhood was full of upheavals. The girl herself had to be hospitalized for psychological treatment and admitted that the shock of losing her father completely turned her life and psychology upside down.

As an adult, Paris took more control of her life, finding joy in her work and relationships. Of Michael Jackson’s three children, Paris Jackson is the only one to follow in her father’s footsteps.

Currently, Michael Jackson’s daughter is a model, actress and singer. She experiments with many different genres of music. The beauty has a good experience with folk music and is also good at playing the electric guitar. She once formed her own band. 

Paris Jackson released her debut album, Wilted (2020). This is a musical product that reveals her thoughts about her personal life and personality. In 2018, Paris shocked fans when she admitted to her fans that she was bisexual. 

Last year, in a conversation with Grazia magazine (USA), Paris Jackson said that she sings or participates in artistic activities not for money. The daughter of the “King of Pop” affirmed that she cares more about the quality of the music products she releases than the revenue.

Michael Jackson passed away but left his children a huge fortune. Every year, the relatives of the “King of Pop” still bring in large royalties from his music products. 

It is estimated that the Jackson family has earned more than $700 million in music royalties since Michael Jackson’s death in 2009. Currently, the total assets built from Michael Jackson’s name and career are said to be up to $1.8 billion.

According to Forbes, as of this year, Paris Jackson has assets of up to 150 million USD. Of which, the 26-year-old singer inherited 80 million USD from her famous father. Currently, the amount of money Paris has in her hands continues to “expand” every year.