David Bowie’s Estate has sold his “entire body of work” to Warner Chappell Music for a reported $250 million.
The deal was announced via press release on Monday, confirming the rights to tracks such as Space Oddity, Changes and Let’s Dance had been acquired by the company.
WCM co-chair and chief executive officer, Guy Moot, said: “All of us at Warner Chappell are immensely proud that the David Bowie estate has chosen us to be the caretakers of one of the most groundbreaking, influential, and enduring catalogues in music history.
“These are not only extraordinary songs, but milestones that have changed the course of modern music forever.
“Bowie’s vision and creative genius drove him to push the envelope, lyrically and musically – writing songs that challenged convention, changed the conversation, and have become part of the canon of global culture.”
On behalf of the David Bowie Estate, Allen Grubman added: “We are truly gratified that David Bowie’s body of music will now be in the capable hands of Warner Chappell Music Publishing. We are sure they will cherish it and take care of it with the greatest level of dignity.”
The agreement covers songs from Bowie’s 26 studio albums, plus two albums released by his band, Tin Machine, and tracks from soundtracks and other projects.
Also included is the posthumous release, ‘Toy’.
Although financial details were not disclosed in the press release, it’s reported the deal is worth “upwards of $250 million (£185 million)” (via Variety).
