Tom Petty Estate Signs With Warner Chappell
• The estate of the late Tom Petty and Warner Chappell Music (WCM) announced the signing of a new worldwide administration deal for Petty’s storied music catalog spanning some 40 years. The milestone agreement includes the vast majority of songs written by Petty throughout his lifetime, including “Wildflowers,” “Free Fallin’,” “Learning to Fly,” “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “The Waiting,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” Runnin’ Down A Dream,” and dozens more. The pact encompasses Petty’s work with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist.
In making the announcement, WCM Co-Chair & COO, Carianne Marshall, and Co-Chair & CEO, Guy Moot, said, “Tom Petty’s music is woven into the fabric of our lives, not just across America, but around the world. He captured the full range and resilience of the human spirit in songs about freedom and dreams, outcasts and rebels, relationships and heartbreak, the personal and the universal. Tom’s unmistakable sound and lyrics remain as timeless and vital today as ever, and all of us at Warner Chappell Music are honored to be joining with his estate to help amplify his extraordinary legacy on a global scale. Their work in recent years has already laid an incredible foundation, and we’re very excited to be partnering with such an innovative and forward-thinking team.”
In a statement, the Petty Estate said, “We’re looking forward to this new partnership with the team at Warner Chappell, as we expand the reach of Tom’s iconic song catalog. This partnership will open the door to new licensing opportunities and serve to introduce his music to a new generation across the globe. We’re excited for this new chapter of growth, and the preservation of Tom’s legacy both at home and abroad. We look forward to working closely with Carianne, Greg, Guy, and their incredible team.”
WCM SVP, A&R & Catalog, Greg Sowders added, “This landmark new deal spans 40 years of Tom’s hugely influential and much-loved songs. The depth and breadth of his catalog is exceptional, including 15 top ten albums and an incredible stream of rock classics. Tom was a born storyteller and he turned life experiences, both good and bad, into songs of extraordinary power and emotion that continue to captivate millions of fans. Tom Petty and his songs are one of the reasons I became a musician and publisher. The whole team is looking forward to partnering with his estate to ensure that his music not only endures but that its impact continues to grow for many years to come.” [Photo Credit: Mark Seliger]
