|
 The deal comprises the entirety
of Sting's solo works as well as those when he
was with rock band The Police - including
classics "Every Breath You Take", "Roxanne",
"Shape Of My Heart", "Message in a Bottle",
"Fields Of Gold", "Desert Rose" and "Englishman
in New York" among others.
UMPG, the publishing arm of Universal Music
Group (UMG), did not disclose financial details
of the deal, which brings together Sting's music
publishing and recorded music catalogues, while
sources familiar with the matter told Reuters
that the deal was valued at $300 million.
"It is absolutely essential to me that my
career's body of work have a home where it is
valued and respected – not only to connect with
longtime fans in new ways but also to introduce
my songs to new audiences, musicians and
generations," Sting said in a statement.
"Throughout my career, I have enjoyed a long and
successful relationship with UMG as my label
partner ... so it felt natural to unite
everything in one trusted home, as I return to
the studio, ready for the next chapter."
The Police, of which Sting was co-founder,
frontman and bassist, released five studio
albums between 1978 and 1983.
As a solo artist, he has released more than a
dozen studio albums, starting with 1985's "The
Dream of Blue Turtles". His latest record "The
Bridge" was released in November.
[to top of second column]
|
 The 70-year-old's many
accolades include three BRIT Awards, including
one for Outstanding Contribution to Music,
Billboard Magazine's Century Award, a Golden
Globe and Emmy Award. He has been nominated for
an Oscar four times.
Sting, also an actor, was inducted into the
Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. His songs have
been covered by the likes of Johnny Cash, George
Michael and Herbie Hancock among others.
In 2019, U.S. performing rights organization BMI
said mega hit "Every Breath You Take" was the
most played song in radio history.
"Sting is a songwriting genius whose music
permeates global culture," UMG Chairman and
Chief Executive Sir Lucian Grainge said.
Other artists to have done rights deals for
their work include Mick Fleetwood and Bob Dylan.
(Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian and Dawn
Chmielewski; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and
Shounak Dasgupta)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
