Richie Sambora, the legendary guitarist and songwriter of Bon Jovi, has had an impressive music career spanning over four decades. His contributions to Bon Jovi's success and subsequent solo projects have made him a significant figure in the music industry. Let's take a closer look at some of his notable music rights deals.
Bon Jovi Years (1983-2013)
During his tenure with Bon Jovi, Sambora co-wrote numerous hits, including "Livin' on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive." The exact ownership and licensing of these songs are managed through various music rights societies, such as ASCAP and BMI.
Bon Jovi's music catalog was reportedly sold to the Merck Mercuriadis-led Hipgnosis Songs Fund in 2017 for an undisclosed sum. This deal granted Hipgnosis the ownership of the copyrights to over 300 Bon Jovi songs, including those co-written by Sambora.
Bon Jovi sells music catalog to Hipgnosis for reported $100 million
Solo Career and Collaborations
Sambora's solo career also produced successful singles like "Every Road Leads Home to You" and "New Morning Sun." The ownership and licensing of these songs follow the same structure as those written for Bon Jovi.
In 2012, Sambora collaborated with Orianthi on the album "Rise," which included the single "Masterpiece." The ownership and distribution of these recordings would depend on the specific agreements between the artists and their record labels.
Richie Sambora and Orianthi: Rise
Conclusion
Richie Sambora's music rights span a vast catalog of hits with Bon Jovi and his solo career. The exact value and ownership of these rights have changed hands over the years, with deals involving various music rights societies and investment firms like Hipgnosis.
Understanding the complexities of music rights can be a daunting task, but it's essential for artists, investors, and fans alike. For more information on music rights, check out the following resources: