Artists spend a lifetime building their work. When they inch closer to retirement, business gets a little lull, or they pass away, their catalogs are sold to music conglomerates. Here are some examples.
2
Michael Jackson
Sony Music Group purchased half of Michael Jackson's catalog for $1.2B-$1.5B in 2023, including non-Jackson-authored songs.
3
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen sold his publishing and recording rights to Sony Music for $550M in 2022, covering 300 songs and 20 albums.
4
Genesis
The band Genesis sold their publishing rights and some recorded music to Concord Music Group for $300M in September 2022.
5
David Bowie
Warner Music acquired English actor-songwriter David Bowie's complete catalog for $250M in 2022, including all 26 albums and posthumous release 'Toy.'