Sting.Photo: Getty
Stinghas become the latest musician to sell his musical catalog, allowing Universal to take the reins in a deal reportedly worth nearly $300 million.
Universal Music Publishing announced the acquisition on Thursday, and said it will include both the rocker’s solo works and the music he released with The Police.
Sting’s prolific repertoire includes songs like “Roxanne,” “Every Breath You Take” and “Message in a Bottle” with The Police, and solo hits like “Fields of Gold” and “Desert Rose.”
“It is absolutely essential to me that my career’s body of work have a home where it is valued and respected – not only to connect with longtime fans in new ways but also to introduce my songs to new audiences, musicians and generations,” the 70-year-old musician said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with UMG as my label partner, under the watchful guidance of Lucian [Grainge], so it felt natural to unite everything in one trusted home, as I return to the studio, ready for the next chapter.”
The 17-time Grammy winner added he was “delighted” to have Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson and team as the ones curating and managing his catalog.
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Though the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed,The New York Timesreported that it’s thought to be worth an estimated $300 million.
Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge added that the responsibility of having Sting’s body of work live under their thumb is one “we don’t take lightly.”
The estate ofDavid Bowie recently sold his catalogto Warner Music Group, who also announced a partnership with Madonna for her entire recorded music catalog in August.
source: people.com
