Universal Music Group has agreed a deal with Prince’s estate to manage his NPG recordings, including a catalogue of 25 albums and a collection of his unreleased material.
Effective immediately, the deal means that Universal is now the home for Prince’s music publishing, merchandise and much of his recorded music. Under the terms of the agreement, the Prince estate is licensing to UMG the 25 albums that Prince released through NPG Records, a label he founded that includes double Platinum and Gold albums Emancipation, Musicology and 3121. UMG and the estate will also collaborate on Prince’s legendary vault of unreleased works.
In addition, from next year UMG will obtain US rights to certain Prince albums released from 1979 to 1995.
Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of UMG, said: “Prince was one of the greatest musical talents of all time – an incomparable genius as a performer, recording artist and songwriter. It’s an absolute honor to once again be selected by Prince’s estate to be the home for publishing, merchandise and now for so much of his incredible body of recordings. UMG is committed to honoring Prince’s legacy and vision by creating the highest quality products and experiences.”
Michele Anthony, EVP of UMG, added: “Prince is a music icon and his impact on culture will continue to reverberate across the world for generations to come. Having worked with Prince on-and-off for 20 years, I was fortunate to experience his incomparable passion, creativity and pursuit of perfection. It’s an honor professionally and personally to be entrusted with these cherished recordings, including his storied ‘vault’ of unreleased music, and to partner with his estate and heirs to preserve and expand Prince’s legacy.”
Industry experts L. Londell McMillan, chairman and CEO of The NorthStar Enterprises Worldwide, and Charles Koppelman, chairman and CEO of CAK Entertainment Inc., represented Prince’s estate.
McMillan commented: “I am thrilled the NPG catalog and Prince’s highly sought after unreleased recordings will reside with UMG, where we have found a partner who is passionate about presenting Prince’s music with a holistic vision that celebrates his iconic status across recorded music, publishing and merchandise and will continue to deliver the highest quality experiences that fans have come to expect. I’m looking forward to seeing Lucian and Michele achieve great things for Prince’s fans, his estate and heirs.”
Koppelman also said: “I’m pleased to say, with UMG, Prince’s legacy is in very good hands. Lucian and his teams at Universal Music Publishing and Bravado are already generating great excitement and energy with Prince’s legions of fans who are demanding more ways to experience this incomparable talent. With UMG’s involvement, there will be so many more outlets around the world for experiencing the brilliance of this incomparable artist.”
