David Bowie. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The estate of David Bowie has sold the rock legend's entire publishing catalog to Warner Chappell Music in a $250 million deal, Variety reports.
Bowie's recorded output spans 26 studio albums, including such foundational projects as The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Aladdin Sane, Station To Station, and many more. Included in the Warner deal are bowie's two Tin Machine albums as well as music recorded for soundtracks and as one-off singles.
Allen Grubman, a representative for the Bowie Estate, said in a statement: “We are truly gratified that David Bowie’s body of music will now be in the capable hands of Warner Chappell Music Publishing. We are sure they will cherish it and take care of it with the greatest level of dignity.”
Guy Moot, CEO and Co-Chair at Warner Chappell Music, said in a statement:
“All of us at Warner Chappell are immensely proud that the David Bowie estate has chosen us to be the caretakers of one of the most groundbreaking, influential, and enduring catalogs in music history. These are not only extraordinary songs, but milestones that have changed the course of modern music forever. Bowie’s vision and creative genius drove him to push the envelope, lyrically and musically – writing songs that challenged convention, changed the conversation, and have become part of the canon of global culture. His work spanned massive pop hits and experimental adventures that have inspired millions of fans and countless innovators, not only in music, but across all the arts, fashion, and media. We are looking forward to tending his unparalleled body of songs with passion and care as we strive to build on the legacy of this most extraordinary human being.”
In 2021 Warner Chappell Music acquired the global rights to Bowie's music from 1968 to 2016; the new deal covers albums released on Sony from 2000 to 2016.
