Several "extremely rare" unreleased recordings have been effectively taken off the market by Michael Jackson's foundation.
The late "Thriller" singer is said to have recorded over two dozen master tapes at New York Studio The Hit Factory in 1994.
The estate's lawyers threatened to sue, claiming the recordings were "unquestionably stolen."
Last month, Gotta Have Rock and Roll announced plans to auction off the tapes, with the hope of raising as much as $4,000 for each one. The singer passed away in June 2009.
In a letter dated November 29 and obtained by Billboard, lawyer Jonathan Steinsapir ordered that the corporation not only immediately return the recordings but also "cease and desist from any and all efforts to further auction these tape."
"Master tapes from Michael Jackson's recording sessions at The Hit Factory (or anywhere else) were never sold or given away," the letter added, not by the singer nor by his record label, Sony Music Entertainment.
It was stated that without a doubt, these tapes were obtained without permission or were stolen.
They are therefore the Jackson Estate's property. Nevertheless, it appears that the letter was not successful, since this week's communication from attorney Alex Spiro to the auction house's lawyer highlighted that the business had already notified the estate that they "will not comply with these demands."
"We write to notify you that we intend to seek a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order tomorrow (December 13) in New York Supreme Court," the letter stated.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions. The cassettes were taken off the market by Wednesday, December 13, 23.
However, Gotta Have Rock and Roll is still offering a variety of other items connected to the "Bad" singer, such as a "Circa 1984 Owned + Worn Red Military Style Jacket," which they predict would fetch more than $10,000. The titles of the tapes, which included "Oh Love," "New Jelly," and "Doing What My Heart," had been marked as "artifact ONLY with no copyright" and "STRICTLY prohibited" from replication.
Meanwhile, thanks to a number of his well-loved Christmas tracks that are performing well as millions of Americans continue to purchase and download holiday classics, Michael Jackson is featured prominently on the Billboard charts this week.
This week, one of the late singer's most popular seasonal hits hits a new list, and he actually scores a new chart hit alongside his siblings as part of the Jackson 5. This week, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by The Jackson 5 makes its debut on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart.
The song, which is classified as either hip-hop or R&B, debuts at No. 23 on the 25-spot list and becomes one of the most streamed songs in the United States. The second-loftiest debut on this week's R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart goes to "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."
The only person behind The Jackson 5 is Beyoncé.
"My House," her latest single, debuted at No. 18.
This week, The Jackson 5 actually holds two slots on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart.
As the big day approaches, their second, more well-known Christmas hit track, "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," is likewise becoming more and more popular.
That song has reached its highest position on the list, coming in at No. 8 on the most recent count.
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