Universal Music Group has announced the acquisition of Neil Diamond’s song catalog, as well as the rights to all recordings from his career.
iamond, 81, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide since launching his career in 1962, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time.
He has written widely recognized hits such as Sweet Caroline, I’m A Believer and Red, Red Wine, which have been covered by artists including The Monkees and UB40.
Neil Diamond has sold over 100 million records (PA)
UMG said it purchased Diamond’s entire catalog through its Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) division. The acquisition includes 110 unreleased songs, an unreleased album, and archives of long-form videos.
Diamond said: “After almost a decade of doing business with UMG, I thank the trust and respect we have built together, and I feel confident knowing that Lucian, Jody, Bruce, Michelle and the team The global team at UMG will continue to represent my portfolio and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fueled my career. ”
The acquisition builds on an existing agreement between Diamond and UMPG, which has served as the singer’s publishing administrator since 2014.
UMG will also record and release Diamond’s future music should he return to the studio.
Through our existing partnership, we are honored to have him trusted to be the permanent custodian of his massive musical legacy.Sir Lucian Grainge
Sir Lucian Grainge, president and chief executive officer of UMG, said: “By definition, Neil Diamond is a true popular musician. His huge book of songs and recordings includes some of the most beloved and enduring songs in music history.
“Through our current partnership, we are honored to have him trusted to be the permanent custodian of his massive musical legacy.”
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During her 60-year career, Diamond has had 10 number-one singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. He has also received Grammy and Golden Globe Awards and his music has been featured in a number of movies and TV shows.
He has been inducted into the Composers Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Diamond joins a string of artists who have recently sold the rights to their back catalogs.
Earlier this month, Sting sold its songwriting catalog to Universal, and rock band Aerosmith agreed a deal to bring their catalog back to UMG.
In January, Warner Chappell Music acquired the publishing rights to David Bowie’s following catalog in a deal worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
The deal included songs from 26 studio albums released during Bowie’s lifetime, as well as his subsequent Toy album and two of his albums with the band Tin Machine.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/neil-diamonds-song-catalogue-acquired-by-universal-music-41394423.html Neil Diamond’s song catalog acquired by Universal Music