Primary Wave Music has struck a music rights deal with singer and songwriter Russ Ballard.
Described as a “multi-million deal”, the transaction sees the publisher acquire a stake in the singer and songwriter’s music publishing catalog and writer’s share royalties, as well as his writer’s share of public performance.
Primary Wave says that terms of the deal also include access to its marketing team and publishing infrastructure, which includes digital strategy, licensing, synch opportunities, and film & TV production.
Included in the deal are some of Ballard’s biggest hits, So You Win Again, Since You’ve Been Gone, I Surrender, New York Groove, You Can Do Magic, the top 10 hit Liar, and others.
New York Groove was written for the British pop band Hello and later covered by Ace Frehley of Kiss.
Frehley’s version of the song became a huge hit in the US and soared to the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
The 1982 hit You Can Do Magic was recorded by the rock duo America.
Ballard also produced the track and was his first hit as a producer. The single was a huge success for America, too. The song remained in the Top 10 at Top 40 for five weeks.
Ballard’s songs have been covered by artists including Santana, The Pointer Sisters, and Three Dog Night.
Russ Ballard’s music career started when he was only 14 years old and he wrote a tune, which was recorded by the Shadows, appearing on their album, The Sound Of The Shadows in 1964.
He went on to write for many others, penning rock classics like Since You Been Gone (Rainbow), God Gave Rock’n’Roll To You (Argent and Kiss), So You Win Again (Hot Chocolate), New York Groove (Hello and Ace Frehley) – just to name a few.
Primary Wave’s partnership with Russ Ballard marks the company’s latest music rights deal, after acquiring a stake in multiple Grammy and Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan’s music publishing and recorded music catalog earlier this month.
Last month, Primary Wave acquired the artist royalties of Bob Burns, best known as the original drummer and founding member of iconic southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Prior to that, in February, the company announced an agreement with singer, songwriter, and producer Stevie Van Zandt.
“I am delighted that I have found the right partner in Primary Wave.”
Russ Ballard
“I am delighted that I have found the right partner in Primary Wave,” said Ballard.
“I am looking forward to working with them on many of my future projects. I love their energy and their commitment. I would like to thank Larry and all his team. I would like to thank James Harman and to RG-C. The future looks bright!”
“We are excited to launch a true partnership and look forward to working with Russ.”
Robin Godfrey Cass, Primary Wave
Primary Wave Music’s Robin Godfrey Cass said: “I am so thrilled that Russ Ballard has trusted Primary Wave as the custodian of his legendary catalog, spanning over five decades.
“We are excited to launch a true partnership and look forward to working with Russ.
“As if these timeless hits, most of which he is the sole writer, weren’t enough inspiration, Russ’s charm and involvement makes everyone around him want to work even harder.”Music Business Worldwide
