Michael Jackson’s death has triggered a scramble to discover the true state of his troubled finances. It leaves even his partners in the catalogue of copyrights that were his biggest asset uncertain of who will inherit his interest.

Jackson’s career and wealth traced the arc of the modern music industry. It began with Motown, at the height of the label’s power, exploded as riches rushed into the industry between the disco era and the peak of the lucrative compact disc format, and ended in a trickier time when the only sure way to make money was by owning catalogue rights and performing.