New Jackson single coming

A song that Michael Jackson recorded before his death will...

13:25 24 September 2009

A new Michael Jackson single entitled 'This Is It' will be released on October 12. Two weeks later it will become available as part of a two-disc album also due to be released by the late pop star's record label.

Sony Music's Columbia/Epic Label Group said it would follow through with plans to release the 'This Is It' album internationally on October 26 and in North America on October 27, to coincide with the simultaneous global release of the Jackson movie of the same name on October 28.

A spokeswoman in London stated the posthumous single would not go on sale separately but would be available for radio stations to play from October 12.

"This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows -- that Michael is one of God's greatest gifts," said John McClain, co-producer of the album and an executor of Jackson's estate.

The 'This Is It' film is based on footage from the final concert rehearsals - some of which have been leaked on the internet. The feature film is the product of a $60 million deal between Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Sony Pictures.

Sony Music stated that the first disc of the upcoming two-disc album will feature some of Jackson's greatest hits plus two versions of the new single. The song includes backing vocals by Jackson's brothers.

The second disc will include unreleased versions of some of the singer's classic tracks and a spoken word poem entitled 'Planet Earth'.

Jackson, dubbed The King of Pop, died of an overdose of prescription drugs at his home on June 25. He was in the process of rehearsing for a 50-date, sell-out series of comeback concerts at London's O2 Arena. Since his death, his record sales spiked dramatically. His estate is said to be worth around $400 million.