John Legend is the latest major name to sell the publishing rights of their music catalog.
Full story below…
It’s been announced today (January 7), the EGOT winner has inked a lucrative deal with music imprint BMG and global investment firm KKR that sees him sell both the rights and future royalties from his catalog – dating back to his debut album, 2004’s ‘Get Lifted.’
Legend joins a growing list of heavy hitters to have sold their publishing rights. Indeed, the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Shakira, and the estate of David Bowie have all struck similar deals in recent months.
Unlike those pacts, the financial terms of Legend’s deal have not been disclosed; though it is known that the agreement was finalized in September 2021.
With the 43-year-old being one of the youngest acts (both in age and career span) to have inked such a deal, some industry analysts are wondering whether the allure for BMG and KKR is the star’s comparatively high streaming statistics compared to the legacy acts hashing out equivalent deals.
Other insiders are wondering how much of a catalyst the lack of touring is for artists selling their publishing rights for high upfront sums. Especially as, historically, many musicians have strived to own their publishing catalog in perpetuity.
In Legend’s case though, he’s reported to bring in north of $100 million annually via his various business interests – which include a starring role as a coach on ‘The Voice,’ live engagements, as well as his role as a producer across TV and film. He also recently announced a Las Vegas residency. As such, it’s safe to assume this decision had broader incentives for the star.
With that, what are…
Smh I hope it’s worth it
He’s selling only one song right? …. All of me… that’s all he’s worth of it
Exactly. I think people forget he only has ONE hit song. And that his wife is really responsible for all his hype. Maybe he figured since his wife is canceled, lets hurry and cash in now, before it too late.
WTF you mean selling only one song? Y’all mofos are haters. Green lights, save room, ordinary people, you& I are hits💅🏾
Of course he has a bunch of songs, duh. He’s been around for years. Only one hit. He’s never had any other songs chart or sell well. It’s that one song. Sports illustrated model marries singer. Then appears in video. It was a PR wet dream!
Diva had been a real fan of baby John since day 1💅🏾 Sorry to say but his wife is so damn ugly. Thought Alicia keys and him can be a perfect couple. It such a shame.
“Used To Love You” was such an era. Who knew we’d be in such a f***** up future afterwards. Congrats John? I guess
::sips Truth Tea::
Y’all forgetting John Legend is the first black man to have an EGOT. Hate all you want, if someone like him his done with the music business and ready to cash in and make money off of their investments then go head with it.
I’d rather folks like Alicia cash in like John Legend instead of feed us mediocrity.
Exactly💅🏾 💯That’s the real Tea for first time. Unfortunately his ugly wife almost ruined his career and positive image. Diva would die for this beautiful man💋 just saying…
EGOT, EGOT, EGOT. Did you see or listen to any of those projects? Better yet, can you name any those projects? I’ll wait… and no cheating!
$100 000 000 not even in dreams! Stupid article, get your numbers trigger?
John the koon! It figures he’s a sell out anyways!
That’s what I like about him