Universal announced Thursday that it had purchased the catalog from its music-publishing arm. This included “Every Breath You Give”, “Roxanne” as well as “Fields of Gold”. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Recent months have seen the sale of recordings, songwriting catalogues, or both, by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks as well as Neil Young, Stevie Nicks and Paul Simon who all sold millions of albums to Baby Boomers. Usually, buyers get the right to use the songs or recordings of the artist in commercials, films, television shows, and other formats.
Although prices are not often disclosed, industry experts have estimated that Springsteen’s December sale at Sony Music Entertainment was worth $550 million. Dylan’s December deal with Universal Music Publishing Group was valued at $300 million to $500 million.
Sting (real name Gordon Sumner) was a member of the Police in London in 1970s. He was its lead singer, songwriter, and bass guitarist. The band incorporated new wave, reggae, and jazz and was elected to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Sting has won 17 Grammy Awards , among other honors, for his solo work and with the group. Universal stated that he has sold over 100 million albums. In 2019, music-licensing agency BMI said “Every Breath You Take” had surpassed “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”