In December, Grammy award-winning artist David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills & Nash, indicated that he was in the process of selling his song catalog to the highest bidder.
Today (March 3), we learn that Crosby has sold his catalog to Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group for an undisclosed sum.
Iconic Artists has acquired Crosby’s publishing and recorded music rights, comprising his solo work, as well as his work with The Byrds; Crosby & Nash; Crosby, Stills & Nash; and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Crosby’s deal with Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group coincides with the 50th anniversary of Crosby’s debut solo album, If I Could Only Remember My Name, which was released in February 1971.
It also coincides with the anniversary ofDéjà Vu, the second studio album by Crosby, Stills & Nash (and their first as a quartet with Neil Young, which was released in March 1970).
The deal comes just two weeks after Azoff’s company acquired a controlling stake in the Beach Boys’ intellectual property, including the band’s sound recordings, brand, select musical compositions, and memorabilia.
Over his six-decade career, Crosby has worked as a solo artist, a founding member of both The Byrds in the mid-60s and Crosby, Stills & Nash (recipients of the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1969), and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Crosby has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – once for his work with The Byrds and again with Crosby, Stills & Nash. He has collaborated with dozens of artists, including Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, Phil Collins, Elton John, and Carole King.
Five albums he contributed to are included in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, three with the Byrds, and two with CSN(Y).
The folk-rock pioneer was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009.
Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group is described as “a brand development and management company dedicated to building a portfolio of iconic entertainment artists, creators and brands”.
“We acquire and/or manage brands with the goal of providing a perennial solution to protect, curate and develop their legacy into the future,” writes the Los Angeles-based firm on its LinkedIn profile, which states that it was founded in 2018.
Iconic also says that it “feels a void in the music business for legendary artists” and adds that it is “dedicated to acquiring, and actively managing a portfolio of select artists’ assets and preserving the important legacy of these music icons”.
“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.”
David Crosby
Crosby said: “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.”
“This is an incredible time to be involved with David and his tremendous catalogue of music.”
Irving Azoff
Irving Azoff, Chairman and CEO of The Azoff Company, added: “I’ve known David as a friend and have admired him as a great artist since our earliest days at Geffen Roberts Management shortly after I moved to Los Angeles.
“This is an incredible time to be involved with David and his tremendous catalog of music.
“He’s truly one of music’s most prolific songwriters and artists and I’m honored he has made Iconic the steward of his timeless musical legacy.”
“I’m thrilled that David has chosen Iconic to be the custodian of his legacy.”
Olivier Chastan, Iconic Artists Group
Olivier Chastan, Founder and CEO of Iconic Artists Group, said: “David’s impact on music and culture is only equaled by the lasting power of his beautiful and sophisticated songs.
“From the gorgeous melodies of Guinnevere and Deja Vu to the biting messages of Wooden Ships and Almost Cut My Hair, his music remains as innovative and relevant as it did when it was first created.
“I’m thrilled that David has chosen Iconic to be the custodian of his legacy.”Music Business Worldwide
