Over a bizarre life cut short recently, the cause of which is yet to be determined, entertainer Michael Jackson once was married to Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of another entertainer who died early, Elvis Presley. It was a short marriage uniting the family of the "King" to the "King of Pop." The Jackson family should now get reacquainted so that Michael can keep on earning.

Through shrewd business maneuvers, Elvis Presley makes more money dead than he did while he was alive. And, there are a lot of similarities between the two kings on which the second king's family could capitalize.

Both entertainers died at relatively young ages, giving them almost mythic status. Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Janus Joplin also died young and retain an active fan base. The difference between the kings and others, is that the others died much younger and were not able to accumulate things with which a rich post-life living can be made.

Presley and Jackson each owned estates—- the first king had Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., and the second king had Neverland in Los Angeles, Calif. Graceland is now one of the top tourist attractions in Memphis and the site of annual pilgrimages on the anniversary of Elvis' death in 1977. Elvis' death will be remembered Aug. 8-16 this year.

As I recall, Elvis was teetering financially when he died. That has changed in his afterlife. First, Graceland was opened for tours that now cost $28-69 per ticket for adults. The premium ticket includes an area with special outfits, a replica of the King's upstairs dressing room, the living room furniture from his honeymoon hideaway and a tour of the barn, where the publicity information says that Elvis liked to spend a lot of time.

Gift shops are a natural outgrowth of Elvis worshiping and can be found aplenty at Graceland Plaza and Graceland Crossing. If Elvis' estate does not own the shopping areas, they at least get a hefty franchise payment for use of the Graceland name.

Also bringing in a few bucks are the 128-room Heartbreak Hotel and Graceland Chapel in the Woods in which you can book a wedding ceremony.

Last, but not least, is the Elvis Birthday Week celebration in January. It runs about four days and surely boosts Graceland tour numbers and souvenir sales.

Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson both were entertainers past their prime, or at least a ways down from being at the top of the music charts, so it stands to reason that the recently deceased "King of Pop," also beset with financial problems, can generate some cash through hucksterism.

Neverland is a whole lot bigger than Graceland and already has its own amusement park. His estate can invest a few dollars and add a giant roller coaster, naturally dubbed "Thriller" in honor of Jackson's gazillion dollar selling album of more than 20 years ago.

Jackson also was found of costumes—-he had several sequined, quasi military numbers, leather dance outfits, hats, masks, one sequined glove and tons of other stuff that can be put on display. Graceland has a display of Elvis' gold records that is quite impressive—-I know that because I visited once—-and the Jackson estate could put together something similar.

Ticket prices are whatever the fans are willing to pay. A VIP ticket could include a personal tour given by one of the King of Pop's children, at least in a few years when they are older. What would that cost?

As far as the period of mourning for the King and King of Pop (the King's has continued for 32 years), I think it is a bit overblown. Jackson's funeral ranked right up there with that of Princess Diana for excess. By the time both of them were buried, I was more than ready to hear about something else.

However, my interest is piqued when you start considering the possibilities for exploiting dead entertainers. Graceland and Elvis set the standard, and now the Jackson family can add a more lucrative chapter.