The last time we’ve heard of college curriculum being based on an African-American entertainer was for Tupac Shakur.  Well, recent news reports state that the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson will soon be the study material for Clark Atlanta University students.

 

The class called “Michael Jackson: The Business of Music” will give students the opportunity to study Jackson’s successful tenure in the entertainment world.  The class will cover Jackson’s dealings with music and brand copyrights, trademarks, and licenses.  Becoming one the businesses most profitable icons, Jackson built an empire that was able to capitalize off his record deals, tours, and merchandising. In addition, students will learn Jackson’s tactics when negotiating multi-million dollar deals in television, real estate, film, and music publishing.

 

If you are wondering who will be teach the course, James Walker, a veteran entertainment attorney.  Walker knows the industry inside and out. He’s had the opportunity to represent several high-profile entertainers like Dr. Bobby Jones, Jamie Foxx, Dr. Shirley Ceasar, Freddie Jackson, Donald Lawrence, and others.  Walker, also a Yale and Howard University alum, is the author of a bestselling book ” The Business of Urban Music”.

 

“The goal is to help students who have an interest or future desire to work in the entertainment industry whether as artist, attorney, business manager, accountant or other,” says Walker. “I’ve taught classes at Yukon University, Boston College and other places covering a lot of topics related to entertainment and the legal profession, but this course allows me to really provide my students with a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and the business mechanics involved.”

 

Sounds like this will be a very educational course for music majors.   It’s impressive that Michael Jackson is still changing lives even in the afterlife.  We miss you Michael…and happy 54th birthday!

 

 

 

Source: Eurweb