Reservoir has acquired nearly 500 songs from the catalog of late American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael.
The global deal, conducted with Carmichael’s heirs, sees the US publisher acquiring titles from the Tin Pan Alley era dating as far back as the 1920s.
Carmichael is best known for composing ‘Georgia On My Mind’, ‘Heart and Soul’, ‘Stardust’, ‘The Nearness of You’ and ‘Skylark’.
His works have been performed by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Louis Armstrong, as well as rock legends including Keith Richards, George Harrison, and Eric Clapton.
Other artists to have covered his songs include Norah Jones, Michael Bublé and Willie Nelson, who won a Grammy in 1979 for his rendition of ‘Georgia On My Mind.’
In 1971, Carmichael was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, plus one Academy Award, three Grammys, two Oscar nominations and one win to his name.
The writer was also an actor and performer, having appeared in fourteen motion pictures, hosted three musical-variety radio programs, and a slew of popular television programs.
Reservoir SVP of A&R and Catalog Development Faith Newman led the company’s initiative to pursue a global interest in the historic American catalog, with rights varying from territory to territory.
She said: “It’s such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a catalog like this.
“this deal brings to Reservoir some of the most iconic works in the Great American Songbook, which are just as extraordinary now as when they were written.”
faith newman, reservoir
“It brings to Reservoir some of the most iconic works in the Great American Songbook, which are just as extraordinary now as when they were written.
“Being fortunate to work directly with Hoagy’s son, Hoagy Bix, has added an extra special layer to it all.”
Hoagy Bix Carmichael Jr. added: “I am very excited that Reservoir has joined hands with my father’s song catalogue.
“Their eagerness to work on innovative ideas to promote his works will open up fresh opportunities and place his music in front of new, contemporary audiences.
“He, too, would be thrilled.”
Renowned music copyright attorney Lisa Alter represented the Carmichael heirs.Music Business Worldwide
