Bob Dylan sold his entire back catalog of recorded music along with “the rights to multiple future new releases” to Sony Music Entertainment, the company announced Monday, the latest high-profile deal of the recent music rights purchasing rush.
Sony did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. In late 2020 the iconic artist, 80, had already sold his songwriting rights — separate from recording rights, which govern reproduction and distribution — to Universal, in a deal estimated to be worth more than $300 million.
According to industry reports including from Billboard and Variety, the latest Dylan deal was worth upwards of $200 million.
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Bob Dylan and SME will continue to collaborate on a range of future catalog reissues in the artist’s renowned and top-selling Bootleg Series, which began in 1991.
According to the statement, the agreement also provides the opportunity for the SME to partner with Dylan on additional projects. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s singular recording career.
He was signed to SME’s Columbia Records in October 1961 by the label’s John Hammond and recorded his debut album that same year. His Bob Dylan album marked the start of an unparalleled musical journey by a master of music who continues to have a profound and global impact on culture.
(With inputs from agencies)
