BMG buys Harry Nilsson song rights, including publishing catalog, as well as artist and writer revenue streams
BMG has reached an agreement to purchase the rights to songs by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.
Included in the deal is Nilsson’s publishing catalog, as well as the artist and writer’s revenue sources of his hit songs.
Some of those songs include hits Without You, Everyone’s Talkin’, One, and Coconut, as well as Jump Into The Fire, Gotta Get Up, and Me and My Arrow, among many others.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Nilsson’s song compositions also include titles co-written with John Lennon, Mucho Mungo / Mt. Elga and Old dirt road; Danny Kortchmar, (Thursday) This is why I didn’t go to work today, Moonlight thief; Dr. John, Daylight caught me, and Ringo Starr, How long can disco stay on.
Featured among 18 studio albums released during his two-decade recording career including debut album Spotlight on Nilsson, Harry, Nilsson singing Newman, Nilsson Schmilssonstandard album A little touch of Schmilsson in the night, pussy cat – produced by John Lennon, what BMG says is Nilsson’s personal preference Knnillssonnand his last studio album Flash Harry.
There are also original soundtracks for Skidoo, The Point!, Son of Dracula and Popeye; in addition to his last collection of studio recordings titled Lost and found released after death.
BMG says it will also begin working with the Nilsson family “to explore global creative opportunities for their creative properties” such as The point! stories, as well as Names, Images, and Likes (NILs) including film, television, theatrical productions, books, and other businesses.
Nilsson’s career began in 1960s Los Angeles, where he wrote hits for The Monkees and Three Dog Nights.
In 1971, he released Nilsson Schmilsson, has been nominated for four Grammy Awards. His chart-topping cover of Have no friend described by BMG as “one of the most important moments in 1970s music”.
His 1971 album and film the point was further described by BMG as “an achievement of the imagination”, while his interpretations of the Great American Songbook in 1973 A little touch of Schmilsson in the night According to BMG, “created a new platform for the musicians of the era”.
BMG notes that John Lennon and Paul McCartney have called Nilsson “their favorite American group” and that artists from Carly Rae Jepsen to Harry Styles have cited him as an inspiration.
Nilsson’s team is led by John Rudolph of 1,618 Industries, Inc. (formerly Music Analytics, top music IP advisor) with mentoring by Jason Karlov and Amanda Taber of Barnes & Thornburg.
“We are delighted to have found a partner who shares our love and respect for Harry’s legacy.”
The Nilson family
The Nilsson family said: “We are delighted to have found a partner who shares our love and respect for Harry’s legacy.
‘We look forward to a long-term relationship with BMG, working together to celebrate this true genius of pop music’.
“We are honored that the Nilsson family has chosen BMG to be the custodian of his musical legacy and proud to represent Harry Nilsson’s cherished work.”
Thomas Scherer, BMG
Thomas Scherer, President of BMG, Repertoire & Marketing, Los Angeles and New York, said: “For generations, Harry Nilsson’s timeless music has captivated millions around the world.
“An outstanding musician with an exceptionally beautiful and unique voice, we will ensure that his spirit thrives for generations to come.
“We are honored that the Nilsson family has chosen BMG to be the curator of his musical legacy and proudly represent Harry Nilsson’s cherished work.”
Other transactions are stuck by Bertelsmann-BMG owns in 2022 including the entire music publishing catalog of the French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarreand the “main musical taste” of the legendary Scottish rock band Simple Mind.
BMG’s latest deals follow other rights acquisitions in 2021 from artists including Mick Fleetwood, Tina Turner, top ZZand Motley Crue.Worldwide music business
