The latest in an ever-growing music industry trend among older big-name artists, legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen has sold his master recordings and music publishing rights to Sony Music for a reported $500 million.
What may be the biggest deal ever negotiated for an individual body of work, the New Jersey musician’s catalog includes more than 300 songs, 20 studio albums and other items, according to the report. Additionally, the deal includes early recordings that the singer/songwriter acquired the rights to in the 1980s after the release of his highly successful “Born in the USA” full length.
Known for such classics as “Born to Run,” “Badlands” and “Dancing in the Dark,” The Boss has released his work on the Columbia Records label since 1973.
Prior recording artist deals included the likes of Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks and Paul Simon, where the former musician’s negotiation with Universal Music Publishing Group was announced in December 2020 resulting in a nine figure dollar amount and included such classics as “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “All Along the Watchtower.”
Former Fleetwood Mac front woman Stevie Nicks’ deal with Primary Wave Music, also announced last December, was said to be worth $100 million for 80% stake in her music properties – including “Edge of Seventeen,” “Rhiannon,” and “Landslide”- along with rights to her name and likeness.
In May of this year Paul Simon reportedly sold rights to his song catalog – including his solo work and the recordings made with his former partner Art Garfunkel – to Sony Music Publishing for an undisclosed sum.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Stian Schlosser