Tina Turner has become the latest artist to sell off her back catalogue, with the singer selling the rights to her past works to BMG’s publishing arm.
Turner has joined the likes of Bob Dylan and Red Hot Chili Peppers in selling off their publishing rights in exchange for massive sums of cash. Dylan sold his catalogue of around 600 songs to Universal Music Publishing Group back in December, for around $300million USD.
The sale of Turner’s back catalogue also includes her share of solo recordings, as well as publishing assets, and the rights to both her name and image. She is still with recording company Warner.
The company have said they’re working closely with Turner, who is now 81-years-old, to “maintain and develop her musical treasure trove and safeguard her inspirational legacy.”
“Like any artist, the protection of my life’s work, my musical inheritance, is something personal,” Turner said in a statement. “I am confident that with BMG and Warner Music my work is in professional and reliable hands.”
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said:
“Tina Turner’s musical journey has inspired hundreds of millions of people around the world and continues to reach new audiences.
“We are honoured to take on the job of managing Tina Turner’s musical and commercial interests. It is a responsibility we take seriously and will pursue diligently. She is truly and simply the best.”
Though Turner is retired from performing, she’s kept busy this past year, with Tony-award winning musical Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which chronicles her life from her beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to a fully-fledged popstar.
She also wrote a memoir, titled Happiness Becomes You, AND was the subject of an extensive documentary produced by HBO titled Tina.
Earlier this year, Turner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame alongside Foo Fighters, Jay-Z and more.
