In a major move in the music industry, legendary guitarist Peter Frampton has sold a significant portion of his music catalog to German media company BMG. The financial aspects of the deal were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
According to Rolling Stone, the deal includes "the majority of his recordings, songwriting catalog and related neighboring rights." Frampton's discography spans over five decades, featuring hits like "Baby I'm A Star," "Show Me The Way," and "Baby, I Love Your Way."
The sale of music catalogs has become increasingly popular in recent years as artists look for ways to secure their financial future. This trend has led to a surge in interest from investors and music rights societies.
Billboard reports that Frampton's deal is part of a larger trend, with artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Paul Anka also selling their catalogs.
Variety notes that the sale of music catalogs can provide artists with a lump sum payment, as well as ongoing royalties. This can be particularly appealing for artists who may be facing financial challenges or looking to secure their legacy.
The specifics of music rights and who owns them can be complex. Music rights include various types of intellectual property, such as recording rights, publishing rights, and performance rights. Music rights societies, like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, help manage and collect royalties for these rights.
For more information on music rights and the music industry, check out the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Music Publishers' Association.