Sony Music Entertainment and the Estate of Prince have inked an exclusive distribution agreement covering 35 previously released album titles from the late star’s catalogue.
The Prince catalogue covered under the new agreement will be distributed by Legacy Recordings, with worldwide rights beginning immediately to 19 album titles originally released between 1995 – 2010.
Those include The Gold Experience (1995), Emancipation (1996), Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic (1999), The Rainbow Children (2001) and 3121 (2006), as well as titles originally distributed by Sony including Musicology (2004) and Planet Earth (2007).
Additional album titles from the 2014 – 2015 era will also be distributed worldwide under the deal in the future.
Today’s agreement also includes rights to other previously released material recorded post-1995 including singles, b-sides, remixes, non-album tracks, live recordings and music videos.
From 2021, Sony/Legacy’s distribution rights will be expanded to include 12 Prince non-soundtrack catalogue albums, featuring music recorded by the artist from the 1978 – 1996 era for distribution in the US.
Music from this period covered under the agreement includes Prince (1979), Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), 1999 (1982), Around The World In A Day (1985), Sign ‘O’ The Times (1987), Lovesexy (1988), Diamonds and Pearls (1991) and [Love Symbol] (1992).
It also includes hit singles “1999,” “Little Red Corvette,” “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Raspberry Beret” and much more.
Prince’s early catalogue will remain on Warner outside of the US.
“Sony Music is honored to play a part in keeping Prince’s music alive and making it available for generations of lifelong listeners and future fans.”
richard story, sme commercial music group
Richard Story, President, SME Commercial Music Group, said: ”A true artist and visionary, Prince changed the world with his music, bringing love, joy and inspiration to millions.
“Sony Music is honored to play a part in keeping Prince’s music alive and making it available for generations of lifelong listeners and future fans.”
“The Sony team’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Prince’s music make them the ideal partner to release these iconic bodies of work.”
troy carter, prince estate adviser
Troy Carter, who is entertainment adviser to the Prince Estate, added: “The Sony team’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Prince’s music make them the ideal partner to release these iconic bodies of work.
“We’re looking forward to working with the heirs and Sony on giving fans what they’ve been waiting for – more great music from Prince.”
Music Business Worldwide
