Epic to mark 25th anniversary of 'Bad'

NEW YORK, May 21 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson's record label says it plans to release a 25th anniversary edition of the late American pop star's "Bad" album.

Epic/Legacy Recordings said it is working with Jackson's estate on the "Bad 25" set, which is to be released Sept. 18.

"The era of 'Bad' represented Michael's creative 'coming of age' as a solo artist in charge of every aspect of his career -- from recording to touring to endorsements to merchandising. This was the first album on which nearly all of the songs were written by Michael. It was also was the first album in history to produce five consecutive No. 1 singles," John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Jackson's estate, said in a statement.

"It was also the first time Michael would tour as a solo artist -- his vision, his decisions on what the show would be. The enormous success of the 'Bad' album and tour was a pivotal moment in Michael's growth as a composer, performer and producer cementing his role as the King of Pop. We are thrilled to celebrate such an historic era in Michael's career with this release."

Jackson died June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. His doctor, Conrad Murray, is in prison after being convicted of administering lethal amounts of anesthesia and sedatives to the singer in an effort to help him sleep.