David Crosby sells entire music catalogue to Iconic Artists Group
“Given our current inability to work live, this deal is a blessing for me and my family,” the 79-year-old musician said.
Photo: Scott Dudelson / Getty Images
David Crosby has sold his entire music catalogue to Iconic Artists Group for an undisclosed sum.
The deal includes the music and publishing rights to Crosby’s solo material, as well as his work with Crosby & Nash, CSN, CSNY and The Byrds.
“Given our current inability to work live, this deal is a blessing for me and my family, and I do believe these are the best people to do it with,” Crosby said in a statement.
Crosby had expressed interest in selling his catalogue in a tweet last December: “I can’t work… and streaming stole my record money.”
He added, “I have a family and a mortgage and I have to take care of them so it’s my only option.” Crosby also hinted that the other members of CSNY, including Neil Young, “feel the same”.
I am selling mine also …I can’t work …and streaming stole my record money …I have a family and a mortgage and I have to take care of them so it’s my only option ..I’m sure the others feel the same https://t.co/EXWHR2v6iq
— David Crosby (@thedavidcrosby) December 7, 2020
This deal is the latest in a string of recent publishing and rights acquisitions in the music industry.
In January this year, Young sold the rights to half of his catalogue for an estimated $150 million to Hipgnosis, the song management company founded by music exec Merck Mercuriadis and CHIC guitarist Nile Rodgers.
Bob Dylan also sold his 600-song catalogue in a deal estimated to be worth over $300 million.
Iconic Artists Group, which describes itself as a “brand development and management company” is headed by music mogul Irving Azoff. Recently, it had also acquired The Beach Boys’ song catalogue and a controlling interest in their intellectual property.
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