Neil Diamond.Photo: Larry Marano/Shutterstock
Neil Diamond’s prolific song catalog, which includes hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin' Rosie,” has found a new home at Universal.
Universal Music Group has acquired the singer-songwriter’s entire catalog and master recordings, including 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album and archival long form videos, thecompany announcedMonday.
“After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together and I feel confident in the knowledge that Lucian [Grainge], Jody [Gerson], Bruce [Resnikoff], Michelle [Jubelirer] and the global team at UMG, will continue to represent my catalogue, and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fueled my career,” Diamond said in a statement.
The Grammy winner, 81, has had a relationship with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) for several years, and the company has served as his publishing administrator since 2014.
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He retired from touring in 2018 after he wasdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, butbriefly returned to the stage in March 2020to perform at a benefit in Las Vegas.
The deal also means that any future releases from Diamond — who has a Broadway show calledThe Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noiseopening soon — will be with UMG.
Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, but other artists who have sold their catalogs in recent years have pulled in hundreds of millions of dollars.
Sting sold his catalog to Universalearlier this month in a deal worth a reported $300 million, whileBruce Springsteen,Bob Dylanand others have also unloaded their recordings.
source: people.com
