Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Limited has acquired the music publishing, master rights and master rights royalties for – and entered into a long-term administration agreement for the neighbouring rights income from – the catalog of iconic rock frontman David Coverdale.
David Coverdale is best known for his role in Whitesnake, of which he was a founding member.
He was also the lead singer of Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976, featuring on their albums Burn and Stormbringer both of which were certified gold in the UK before the band’s break-up in 1976.
Following this, Coverdale released two solo albums White Snake (1977) and Northwinds (1978).
After founding Whitesnake in 1978, Coverdale was present for all of the band’s major successes including the 1987 multi-platinum self-titled album and the 1989 Slip of the Tongue album.
In 1990 Coverdale co-wrote with Hans Zimmer and Billy Idol, the song The Last Note of Freedom for the Tony Scott film Days of Thunder.
The acquisition includes hit songs such as: Here I Go Again, Crying in the Rain, Fool for your Loving, Is This Love, Still of the Night, Slow an’ Easy, Burn and Stormbringer and the aforementioned The Last Note of Freedom.
In 2016, Coverdale was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, Round Hill Music, via Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Ltd, has also this week acquired what it calls a “significant share of the master artist royalties” of the catalog of Nancy Wilson, singer, songwriter and guitarist of Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band Heart.
Round Hill has also entered into a long-term agreement to administer the catalog’s neighbouring rights income.
This deal encompasses a significant share of Nancy Wilson’s master artist royalties and a long-term agreement to administer the neighboring rights income of her catalog and includes Wilson’s share of classic songs such as Barracuda, Magic Man, Alone, Crazy On You and the No.1 hit These Dreams.
Heart has sold over 35 million records worldwide to date, with their breakthrough coming in 1975 with the release of their debut double platinum selling album Dreamboat Annie, which generated the hits Magic Man and Crazy on You.
Their third studio album Little Queen has reached double and triple platinum in Canada and United States respectively.
In 1985, Heart released their eighth studio album which produced the band’s first No.1 single These Dreams and was certified platinum five times and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The band has received four Grammy nominations in total.
“To have been entrusted with David’s work is a proud day for Round Hill.”
Josh Gruss, Round Hill
Josh Gruss, Chairman and CEO of Round Hill, the Company’s investment manager, said: “David Coverdale is a true rock icon.
“As the frontman for two of the world’s greatest bands, Whitesnake and Deep Purple, he has blazed a trail since the early 70s, and his legacy and influence on the generations of artists that followed him cannot be understated.
“To have been entrusted with David’s work is a proud day for Round Hill.”
“Heart are a band who have earned their place in rock and roll immortality and Nancy has played a pivotal role in their astonishing success over the last 45 years.”
Josh Gruss
Added Gruss: “Heart are a band who have earned their place in rock and roll immortality and Nancy has played a pivotal role in their astonishing success over the last 45 years.
“She is an icon and the longevity of her music is a testament to her incredible talent.”
“I look forward immensely to working together with Josh Gruss and all at Round Hill to ensure the legacy of my existing works for future generations to enjoy.”
David Coverdale
David Coverdale said: “I am thrilled beyond words to joyfully announce that my existing catalog of works, both songs and master recordings, which I have been involved in creating for over 50 years, is now in exceptionally safe hands with the fine people at Round Hill.
“I look forward immensely to working together with Josh Gruss and all at Round Hill to ensure the legacy of my existing works for future generations to enjoy.”
“I’m honored to be working with the good people at Round Hill and am looking forward to an ongoing working relationship.”
Nancy Wilson
Nancy Wilson said: “I’m honored to be working with the good people at Round Hill and am looking forward to an ongoing working relationship.”
“This important acquisition provides the Company with direct exposure to a timeless American rock band.”
Trevor Bowen, Round Hill
Trevor Bowen, Chair of Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Limited, said: “The Board is pleased to provide RHM shareholders with access to David Coverdale’s own legendary catalog of hits as the frontman from one of best-known rock bands of all time, who helped to define an era of music. We are delighted to be deploying capital into such high-quality acquisitions while continuing to evaluate further attractive opportunities.
Added Bowen: “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Nancy Wilson’s fantastic catalog of classic Heart tracks from across her career including songs from her double and triple platinum selling albums.
“This important acquisition provides the Company with direct exposure to a timeless American rock band.”
Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Limited recently acquired what it calls a “significant” share of the publishing rights of American country singer/songwriter, Niko Moon.
In September, Round Hill Music Royalty Fund Limited acquired 100% of the master royalty income of 532 original recordings from American classic R&B group, The O’Jays.Music Business Worldwide
