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An unheard Michael Jackson song is to be released as a single next month.

This Is It, which features backing vocals by Jackson's brothers, will go on sale on 12 October.

Jackson's record label Sony Music said the song would also appear on a new album, as will unheard versions of his classic hits.

It is not clear when Jackson wrote and recorded the new track. The pop star had been working with artists like Akon and Will.i.am before his death in June.

The song will be the first new material to see the light of day since he died.

It takes its name from the ill-fated series of comeback shows that were to have been held at London's O2 arena.

"This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows - that Michael is one of God's greatest gifts," said John McClain, the music executive who is co-executor of his will and has co-produced the new two-disc album.

The first disc will feature his greatest hits, ending with the new song.

The second disc will include previously unreleased versions of his best-loved tunes.

The new song will also feature in the closing credits of a film, called This Is It, which has been made using footage of rehearsals for his O2 concerts.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8271752.stm