Universal Music Publishing Group is now the exclusive administrator of Prince’s entire catalog.
On Wednesday, the company announced it had inked a deal with the estate of the legendary singer, who passed in April of this year. The details of the agreement were not disclosed; however, a statement from UMPG confirms the deal covers both released and unreleased music.
Prince's catalog consists of over 35 albums and more than 1,000 songs, including his iconic No. 1 tunes “When Doves Cry,” “Kiss,” “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” and “1999.” Within the last couple of years, Prince assumed the publishing role after his 14-year contract with UMPG ended in 2014.
“We’re humbled to be entrusted with Prince’s catalog and I’m grateful to my entire team for their work in making this agreement a reality," Jody Gerson, UMPG chairman and CEO, said in a press release. "With the timelessness and genius of Prince’s music, there are no limits to what we can achieve working with his estate. Prince’s popularity will only continue to grow around the world.”
It’s perfect timing, too. We’re just weeks away from the release of Prince’s greatest hits compilation, Prince 4Ever, which will include the previously unreleased track “Moonbeam Levels.” And next year, Prince’s most popular album, Purple Rain, will be reissued and remastered with never-before-heard music.
