Elton John has inked a deal that may maintain the legend with Universal Music Group for the remainder of his profession.
Through his firm, Rocket Entertainment, the 71-year previous icon has struck a long-term partnership that covers recorded music, music publishing, merchandise, model administration and licensing rights.
The pact ensures that not solely is all of John’s voluminous catalog below one roof, however so are his future recordings. John has been signed to corporations now below UMG’s umbrella for his five-decade recording profession.
Similarly, Universal Music Publishing Group has administered John’s post-1974 copyrights since 2005, and his pre-1974 songs since earlier than then.
New to the association is a cope with Bravado, UMG’s model administration and merchandise firm, which can work with Rocket to develop international merchandising, branding and licensing alternatives round John’s three-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour, which kicked off earlier this month, and his catalog.
“In UMG we’ve got the perfect partners to support all aspects of my creative endeavors. Lucian [Grainge, UMG chairman/CEO], Jody [Gerson, UMPG chairman/CEO], David [Joseph, Universal Music UK chairman/CEO] and the UMG family share the values that we hold dear – nurturing artistry, restless creativity and innovation,” John stated in a press release. “I’m proud and delighted to have them stand alongside me as I embark on the next phase of my career.”
In a press release, Grainge added, “Elton John is a artistic cornerstone of UMG, which has been his residence since his earliest days at MCA Records. In parallel with Elton’s stratospheric rise as an artist, UMG has advanced from a ‘label’ and ‘publisher’ right into a broad-based international media and leisure firm that’s positioned to work at a far greater stage and with better influence with an artist of Elton’s caliber. As he embarks on his monumental Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, we’re excited for our total international group to face alongside him, working hand in hand with David and his crew at Rocket to make sure that his music continues to encourage and entertain audiences all over the world for generations to come back.”
Jody Gerson, UMPG’s Chairman & CEO, added: “Elton is a musical genius and simply one of the most talented songwriters in history. As we proudly continue our partnership together, UMPG remains deeply committed to growing the legacy of his legendary catalog and supporting future projects. As the influence of his music thrives through generations, Elton continues to be a timeless source of inspiration for songwriters and fans alike.”
David Furnish, John’s husband, turned Rocket Entertainment CEO in 2015, with an eye fixed towards rising John’s presence on streaming companies and social media, in addition to enhancing his touring, branding and licensing. “During the time I’ve been CEO of Rocket our relationship with Universal has gone from strength to strength. Sir Lucian Grainge, Jody Gerson, David Joseph and their teams’ vision to bring Elton into the digital / streaming age and make his catalogue relevant to a younger generation is in perfect tandem with everything we strive to do day in, day out at Rocket. Elton’s hunger and desire to push himself creatively and collaborate with the best, most exciting creatives in the world is as great as ever, and Universal fully share our vision to keep Elton at the forefront of popular culture.”
John is anticipated to launch new music below the deal. He exhibits little indicators of slowing down: His final studio album, Wonderful Crazy Night, got here out in 2016, whereas final 12 months UMG put out Diamonds, a biggest hits assortment spanning his total profession. Earlier this 12 months, Revamp, a pop assortment of John/Bernie Taupin covers got here out, as did a companion nation album of covers, Restoration.
Paramount will launch Rocketman, a biopic based mostly on John’s life, in May 2019.
