To escape at least $270 million in debt amassed in support of his unusual lifestyle, should Mr. Jackson sell his stake in a coveted music-publishing catalog? The answer has not come easily. Mr. Jackson is surrounded by an ever-changing cast of characters, making it difficult to determine who, if anyone, is in charge of his business affairs. One camp has urged Mr. Jackson to sell some of his holding to avert financial disaster. Another group -- which includes supermarket billionaire Ron Burkle -- says such drastic action is unnecessary. More recently, the Rev. Jesse Jackson has emerged as an outspoken...