Primary Wave Music has acquired a stake in the music publishing and master recording rights of US singer, songwriter and pianist Neil Sedaka.
Described by Primary Wave as “the world’s first teen pop sensation”, Neil Sedaka’s career began in 1957 and he has since sold millions of records worldwide and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself as well as other artists.
Some of those artists include Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Connie Francis, Tom Jones, Abba, The Monkees, and The Captain & Tennille, who had Top 10 Singles with three Sedaka-penned hits, including the Grammy-winning Record of the Year; Love Will Keep Us Together.
The new deal will see Primary Wave partner with Sedaka on his music publishing for all compositions written by him, as well as Sedaka’s master recording rights for all recordings performed by him.
According to Primary Wave, terms of the partnership may also see the company participate in branding rights over Sedaka’s name and likeness.
Included in the deal are some of his biggest songs, like the No. hit Oh! Carol, his Top Five classic Calendar Girl, the Top 10 Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen, and what Primary Wave refers to as “evergreen standards” Solitaire and The Hungry Years amongst others.
Also included is Sedaka’s signature hit, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, which soared to No.1 on the Hot 100 and, along with its 1975 remake, was only the second time in history that an artist made the Top Ten with two different versions of the same song.
Primary Wave said today (April 17) that the terms of the deal will also give Sedaka access to the company’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, which includes digital strategy, licensing, synch opportunities, and film & TV production.
The National Academy of Popular Music has twice honored Sedaka, first with his induction into The Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and in 2004 with The Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding work in furthering the successes of songwriters.
He has also had a street named after him in his hometown of Brooklyn and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has been nominated for five Grammys.
“I am thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Primary Wave – an organization that I have long-admired for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the artists they represent.”
Neil Sedaka
Said Sedaka: “I am thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Primary Wave – an organization that I have long-admired for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the artists they represent.
“After almost 70 years in the music business, I’ve gotten pretty good at separating the big talkers from the real deals, and Larry and his team at Primary Wave are about as real deal as it gets.”
Added Sedaka: “I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship that will allow me to work side by side with this amazing organization and finally give my extensive collection of songs the attention and exposure it deserves.”
“As both a singer and songwriter, Neil has created an iconic catalog that has transcended decades and genres. We look forward to continue creating new opportunities for his timeless songs together.”
Madeline Boyd
Madeline Boyd, Primary Wave’s Finance & Investments Manager added: “We are thrilled to welcome Neil Sedaka into the Primary Wave family.
“As both a singer and songwriter, Neil has created an iconic catalog that has transcended decades and genres. We look forward to continue creating new opportunities for his timeless songs together.”
Primary Wave’s latest deal arrives two months after the company announced a partnership with Y.M.C.A hitmakers Village People.
Earlier that month (February), Primary Wave moved into Brazil via the acquisition of a 50% stake in Nas Nuvens Catalog (NNC). That transaction valued the Sao Paulo-headquartered company at around USD $100 million.
In January, Primary Wave announced a rights partnership deal with the estate of Stone Temple Pilots Singer Scott Weiland.Music Business Worldwide
