By Gary Symons, TLL Editor in Chief The Bob Dylan music deal with Universal Music has shown that for musicians and music companies, the times truly are a’changin’. But, in truth, that change was coming long before Universal stroked a check for a reported $300 million to $400 million, in return for Dylan’s entire music catalog of roughly 600 songs. Also in December Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks sold 80 per cent of the rights to her catalog of songs she wrote to music publisher Primary Wave for a reported $100 million. In August, Imagine Dragons sold their catalog for more than $100 million to Concord Music Publishing. What should have gained a lot more press, however, were the other deals happening in 2019 and building momentum through 2020. For… . . . read more
Universal Music Acquires Bob Dylan Catalog in 9-Figure Deal
Bob Dylan must be ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ right about now, after Universal Music Publishing Group announced the acquisition of the singer-songwriter’s entire music catalog for a reported nine-figure sum. The exact acquisition cost is still ‘Blowin’ in the Wind,’ but rumors are that it will top Stevie Nicks $100 million deal last week from Primary Wave, and could be one of the largest music catalog deals in history. Universal has acquired Dylan’s entire collection of more than 600 copyrighted songs spanning six decades, from 1962’s Blowin’ in the Wind to this year’s epic hit Murder Most Foul. “To represent the body of work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time – whose cultural importance can’t be overstated – is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said UMPG Chairman… . . . read more