Michael Jackson Crowned Highest Paid Dead Celebrity by Forbes

Michael Jackson is still raking in millions even though he has left the earth, showing the lasting impact this man had on billions despite the controversies he faced later in life. In fact last year, according to Forbes magazine, "The late King of Pop made more money over the past year than any other musician or actor, dead or alive."

CBSnews.com reports:

Michael Jackson's drawing power in death leaped off the charts, vaulting him to the top of Forbes' latest list of the top-earning deceased celebrities.

The magazine says The Gloved One's estate grossed $275 million between Oct. 1, 2009 and Oct. 1, 2010.

It was, Forbes says, more than the other dozen dead stars on the list combined -- and more than the combined earnings of the biggest living acts, U2 and AC/DC.

Read the rest at CBSnews.com.

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MJ Through The Years

'Another Part of Me'
Jackson and his baby sister Janet Jackson have remained the closest throughout the years. During the '35th Annual Grammy Awards' on February 24, 1993, the two shared a special moment for the cameras after Janet presented him with the Legend Award.

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MJ Through The Years

Remembering Michael Jackson
June 25, 2009 marked the passing of the one and only "King of Pop." With over four decades in the spotlight, he never ceased to amaze us. Fittingly, we've witnessed his incredible highs and tragic lows with rapt attention. In tribute, we take a look at the life of pop music's greatest entertainer.

MJ Through The Years

'Got To Be There'
Jackson, seen here during a 1972 'Top of the Pops' television appearance, was poised for greatness. During that year, he released a total of four solo studio albums with the Motown Records label, among them 'Got to Be There' and 'Ben.'

MJ Through The Years

'I'll Be There'
During the mid-1970s, Michael Jackson evolved from kiddy-pop singer to teen music sensation. Not only did he achieve sterling success with his varied solo projects, the Gary, Indiana native simultaneously recorded hit records with his brothers under their new moniker, The Jacksons.

MJ Through The Years

'Greatest Show On Earth'
Jackson played the Scarecrow in the 1978 film, 'The Wiz,' an elaborate re-envisioning of 'The Wizard of Oz,' directed by Sidney Lumet and starring a cavalcade of the biggest black celebrities of the time, most notably Diana Ross as Dorothy, Nipsey Russell as The Tin Man, Ted Ross as The Cowardly Lion, Lena Horne as Glenda The Good Witch and Richard Pryor in the title role.

MJ Through The Years

'We've Got A Good Thing Going'
Jackson-- pictured here in 1980 reportedly after breaking his nose during a complex dance routine leading to his initial rhinoplasty surgeries -- was riding a wave of success from the Quincy Jones-produced 'Off The Wall' album. It sold millions of copies and garnered a slew of awards, including American Music Awards, Billboard Awards and a Grammy Award.

MJ Through The Years

'Pretty Young Thing'
Jackson was considered a heartthrob to many of his female fans. During his heyday as an adult solo artist, he made the scene with and was romantically linked to a slew of celebrity women, including Stephanie Mills, Tatum O'Neal and Brooke Shields, whom he is pictured with February 7, 1984.

MJ Through The Years

'Come Together'
In 1980, The Jacksons released the 'Triumph' album, featuring the hits "Lovely One" and "Can You Feel It." Their live opus, which followed the next year, used recordings from the group's "Triumph Tour," which was later described by as one of the best 25 tours from 1967 to 1987.

MJ Through The Years

'Thriller'
Jackson posed with a group of dancers dressed as zombies while filming his groundbreaking 1983 music video, 'Thriller,' in Los Angeles. The 13-minute film was helmed by 'An American Werewolf in London' director John Landis and featured choreography by award-winning hoofer Michael Peters. Make-up FX wiz Rick Baker transformed Jackson into a werewolf and a zombie.

MJ Through The Years

'Unbreakable'
A force to be reckoned with, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones (who also produced the soundtrack for 'The Wiz,' and the 'Off the Wall' album) made history with the 'Thriller' opus. Thriller was first recognized as the world's best-selling album on February 7, 1984, when it was inducted into the 'Guinness Book of World Records.' On February 28, 1984, the two dynamos were awarded the Grammy for "Producer of the Year." That evening, Jackson made history as the first artist to win eight of the coveted statues in one year.

MJ Through The Years

'Remember The Time'
In 1984, The Jacksons released the album 'Victory' and supported the project with the massively successful world tour. Shortly after the jaunt, Michael Jackson left the group as his 'Thriller' album started to gain momentum.

MJ Through The Years

While it's sad that Michael Jackson could not command such respect and so many accolades near the end of his life, it's wonderful that his legacy is flourishing now. His heirs will most likely use this posthumously-earned fortune to continue the good works that Michael Jackson was committed to during his life, but for which he received surprisingly little attention. When Jackson's two older children, Paris and Prince, received an award on their father's behalf in February of this year, Prince stated:

Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. Through all his hard work and dedication, he has helped through many charities and donated to all of them. Through all of his songs, his message was simple. Love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you. We love you daddy.

While they are still kids now, it is a safe bet to assume that Prince, Paris and perhaps even little Blanket, will use the funds Michael Jackson continues to generate to further his cause of spreading love and healing the world.

An interesting compendium of Michael Jackson's extensive giving can be found on a Web site dedicated to tracking charitable acts, Vivanista.com. MichaelJackson.com also notes that Jackson "was listed in the 2000 book of Guinness World Records for his support[ing] more charities than any other entertainer or personality. Jackson supported 39 charities through cash donations and sponsorships." This is amazing given the fact that Jackson was often financially struggling during the latter part of his life, going into mountains of debt. Despite this, he still found funds to share.

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While building wealth is great, it's also important to remember to share your wealth with the world that gave so much to you. Michael Jackson demonstrated this in life, and his heirs will likely continue to enact his charitable will even in his death -- especially now that Jackson's estate is wealthier than ever. Michael Jackson might be the highest-earning dead celebrity, but through his children and family I bet he will also remain the most charitable as well.