In a landmark deal, David Bowie's music catalog was acquired by Warner-Chappell Music for a reported $250 million in 2022 (Variety). This sale marked one of the largest music rights transactions in history.

Bowie's entire catalog of songs and recordings was transferred to Warner-Chappell, which administers musical copyrights. The deal included all of his compositions and recordings from 1962 to 2001.

The types of music rights involved in this transaction include mechanical rights, performance rights, and synchronization rights. These rights allow the licensee to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, and synchronize the music in various media.

Who owns the right to music like Bowie's can significantly impact their earnings, especially in the streaming era. By selling his catalog, Bowie secured a substantial income stream for himself and his estate.

The music rights societies like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC collect and distribute royalties to songwriters and publishers. These organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for the use of their music.

For more information on music rights and the music industry, visit the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA).

David Bowie's Catalog Sold for $250 Million to Warner Music

Warner Music Acquires David Bowie's Music Catalog for $250 Million