BMG has acquired the music pursuits of iconic American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist John Lee Hooker from his property.
The settlement consists of his complete publishing catalog (Growth Growth, One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer, Boogie Chillen, amongst others), co-acquired with BMG’s longstanding companion Fujipacific Music.
The deal additionally consists of John Lee Hooker’s complete recorded and efficiency royalty revenue, in addition to a number of Hooker’s recorded catalog spanning Alone, Vol. 1 (1980) by way of Black Night time Is Falling (2020), acquired solely by BMG.
In a media assertion saying the deal, BMG states that, as a result of “what’s a posh musical legacy, some rights will nonetheless stay with third events”, however BMG will now now “take a lead position in selling Hooker’s excellent catalog”.
BMG presently represents or owns rights in lots of blues music’s most influential artists together with Son Home, Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Mississippi Fred McDowell, alongside many others.
The acquisition is the newest in a string of latest offers accomplished by BMG to accumulate rights from celebrity musicians.
In January final yr, BMG purchased Mick Fleetwood’s royalties for an array of Fleetwood Mac hits – together with TikTok sensation Desires.
In October, BMG snapped up a bundle of Tina Turner rights.
In November, the corporate acquired Mötley Crüe recordings catalog for round $90 million.
In December, BMG and KKR, having introduced in March that they had been going to purchase copyrights collectively – confirmed a joint acquisition for the primary time: “the complete music pursuits” of rock icons ZZ High.
John Lee Hooker’s work is widely known for its impression on trendy music.
Amongst his first recordings was Boogie Chillen (1948) which turned a No.1 hit, promoting over one million copies.
This success was quickly adopted by a string of hits, together with I’m within the Temper, Crawling Kingsnake (famously coated by The Doorways), and Hobo Blues.
Over the subsequent 15 years, Hooker maintained a prolific recording schedule, releasing over 100 songs, together with probably the most vital music of his profession Growth Growth.
Some of the recognizable and memorable blues requirements, Growth Growth was initially a chart success in each the US and UK, and over time has been extensively featured in each movies and commercials, whereas additionally being coated by quite a few artists.
An inductee into the Blues Corridor of Fame, Hooker was a recipient of a Nationwide Heritage Fellowship awarded by the Nationwide Endowment for the Arts, the US authorities’s highest honor within the people and conventional arts.
In 1991, Hooker was inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame, whereas in 1997, he was introduced with a star on the Hollywood Stroll of Fame.
A five-time Grammy award-winner, in 2000, shortly earlier than his demise, Hooker was acknowledged with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
“This can be a uncommon triple-win for everybody: the Hooker household, BMG, and for the tens of millions of John Lee Hooker followers all the world over.”
Jeff Jampol, JAM Inc
Jeff Jampol, CEO, JAM, Inc., mentioned: “Because the longtime managers of the John Lee Hooker property, JAM, Inc. was pleased to assist the property and BMG conclude this transaction.
“We’re very happy that an artist-first firm like BMG would be the stewards of this nice legacy shifting ahead, and we’re grateful to stay in a consulting and administration position of the John Lee Hooker legacy, in partnership with BMG, shifting ahead.
“This can be a uncommon triple-win for everybody: the Hooker household, BMG, and for the tens of millions of John Lee Hooker followers all the world over.
“We are able to’t wait to see – and be part of – what’s coming subsequent!”
“BMG will guarantee John Lee Hooker’s legacy is honored and revered wherever and at any time when John Lee Hooker’s music is used, carried out, recorded or bought.”
Thomas Scherer, BMG
Thomas Scherer, BMG President, Repertoire & Advertising and marketing, New York and Los Angeles, added: “BMG is proud to be the definitive house of John Lee Hooker’s music, one of many key inspirations and basis stones of in style music.
“BMG will guarantee John Lee Hooker’s legacy is honored and revered wherever and at any time when John Lee Hooker’s music is used, carried out, recorded or bought.”
Music Enterprise Worldwide
