In a major music rights acquisition, legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has sold his entire catalogue to Hipgnosis Songs Fund, according to a report by Billboard. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Manilow, known for his hits like "Mandy," "Copacabana," and "I Write the Songs," joins a growing list of artists who have sold their music catalogues to Hipgnosis. The London-based investment firm has acquired the rights to the catalogues of artists such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne.
Music rights, which include the ownership of songwriting copyrights, publishing, and recording royalties, have become an attractive investment for companies and individuals. According to Music Business Worldwide, music rights provide a steady stream of income through royalties, which can be collected for the life of a copyright.
The sale of music catalogues to investment firms like Hipgnosis is a relatively new trend in the music industry. These deals allow artists to receive a lump sum payment for their catalogues, providing them with financial security. At the same time, the investment firms can earn a return on their investment through the royalties generated by the catalogues.
The deal between Manilow and Hipgnosis marks another significant investment in music rights. As the music industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these deals shape the landscape of music ownership and revenue streams.
For more information on music rights and the sale of music catalogues, check out the following resources: