Warner Chappell Music (WCM) is now the exclusive global admin partner of Tom Petty’s storied song catalog.
The deal, which covers Petty hits including “Wildlflowers,” “Free Fallin’,” “Learning to Fly,” “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” and “I Won’t Back Down,” was inked between WCM and the Tom Petty estate.
Called a “milestone agreement” by WCM, the deal encompasses Petty’s work with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist.
The Petty Estate said in a statement: “We’re looking forward to this new partnership with the team at Warner Chappell, as we expand the reach of Tom’s iconic song catalog. This partnership will open the door to new licensing opportunities and serve to introduce his music to a new generation across the globe.
“We’re excited for this new chapter of growth, and the preservation of Tom’s legacy both at home and abroad. We look forward to working closely with Carianne, Greg, Guy, and their incredible team.”
WCM Co-Chair and COO, Carianne Marshall, and Co-Chair and CEO, Guy Moot, said: “Tom Petty’s music is woven into the fabric of our lives, not just across America, but around the world. He captured the full range and resilience of the human spirit in songs about freedom and dreams, outcasts and rebels, relationships and heartbreak, the personal and the universal.
“Tom’s unmistakable sound and lyrics remain as timeless and vital today as ever, and all of us at Warner Chappell Music are honored to be joining with his estate to help amplify his extraordinary legacy on a global scale. Their work in recent years has already laid an incredible foundation, and we’re very excited to be partnering with such an innovative and forward-thinking team.”
WCM SVP, A&R and Catalog, Greg Sowders added: “This landmark new deal spans 40 years of Tom’s hugely influential and much-loved songs. The depth and breadth of his catalog is exceptional, including 15 top ten albums and an incredible stream of rock classics.
“Tom was a born storyteller and he turned life experiences, both good and bad, into songs of extraordinary power and emotion that continue to captivate millions of fans. Tom Petty and his songs are one of the reasons I became a musician and publisher. The whole team is looking forward to partnering with his estate to ensure that his music not only endures but that its impact continues to grow for many years to come.”
In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded three solo albums, including the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. Petty was also a member of the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, and in the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch.
Hailed as one of the greatest rock artists of all time, Petty’s list of achievements include: Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, multiple Grammy Award winner, over 85 million records sold, performing to over 140 million fans worldwide, and Super Bowl halftime performer.
Tom Petty passed away in 2017 shortly after completing his 40th anniversary tour.Music Business Worldwide