Superstar music publishing deals

Justin Bieber is the latest artist to sell the rights to his back catalogue. The Hipgnosis-Blackstone deal will exploit the value of the songs to receive revenue from global streaming sales


Justin Bieber: Deal with Hipgnosis to sell 290-song back catalogue for reported $200 million

Jan 2018, Bob Marley: Island Records founder Chris Blackwell sells 80 percent of publishing rights to two catalogues to Primary Wave. $50 million

Aug 2020, Blondie: Hipgnosis buys 100 percent of writers’ share and public performance rights to 197 songs that Debbie Harry and Chris Stein wrote as co-founders of Blondie
      
Nov, Steve Winwood: Hipgnosis buys 33,000 songs across 42 catalogues owned by Kobalt
Music Copyrights Fund. $323 million

Dec, Bob Dylan: Sells publishing rights for 600-plus songs to Universal Music Group. $300-$400 million

Jan 2021, Neil Young: Hipgnosis buys 50 percent of 1,180 songs. Estimated $150 million

Feb 2021, Beach Boys: Sell rights to Iconic Artists Group (IAG). $100-$200 million

Dec, Bruce Springsteen: The Boss (above) sells his entire catalogue to Sony Music Entertainment. $500 million

Jan 2022, David Bowie: Estate sells global publishing rights to catalogue to Warner Chappell Music. Estimated $250 million

Feb, Sting: Universal Music Group buys entire songwriting catalogue. $250 million
               
Mar, Leonard Cohen: Estate sells late singer-songwriter’s catalogue to Hipgnosis for undisclosed sum
   
May, Pink Floyd: Invites bidders to make an offer, seeking $470 million-plus

Jan 2023, Yes: Warner Music Group announces deal to acquire rights to rock band’s Atlantic Records works for undisclosed sum
           

Sources: Billboard, Rolling Stone, Variety 
Pictures: Getty Images
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