UMPG Acquires Neil Diamond’s Catalog
• Universal Music Group (UMG) announced the acquisition of the entirety of Neil Diamond‘s historic song catalog through Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), as well as the rights to all recordings from Diamond’s legendary career, including 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album and archival long-form videos. We’re talking hundreds of iconic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Solitary Man,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Love on the Rocks,” Holly Holy” and “America,” to name just a few, as well as hits made famous by other artists, like “Red Red Wine” and “I’m a Believer.”
The deal builds upon UMPG’s existing relationship with Diamond, a 2011 inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as the company has served as his publishing administrator since 2014. Since 2013, UMG and Diamond have enjoyed a fruitful recording agreement and licensing deal for the non-MCA recordings through its Capitol Music Group division and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), a close working relationship that produced three albums. Under the new agreement, which includes previously unreleased tracks, UMG will also record and release Diamond’s future music, should he decide to return to the studio.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group, commented, “Neil Diamond is by definition, a truly universal songwriter. His immense songbook and recordings encompass some of the most cherished and enduring songs in music history. Through our existing partnership, we are honored to have earned his trust to become the permanent custodians of his monumental musical legacy.”
Jody Gerson, UMPG Chairman & CEO, said, “A legendary artist and songwriter, Neil’s music exemplifies how truly great songs have lasting power and stand the test of time. With this acquisition, which UMPG COO Marc Cimino played an invaluable part in, our global teams across all of Universal Music will work together to ensure that all of his timeless hits like ‘Sweet Caroline,’ ‘Red Red Wine’ and ‘Cracklin’ Rosie’ will continue to impact generations of fans, both existing and those to come.”
In a joint statement, Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) and Michelle Jubelirer, Chair & CEO of Capitol Music Group, commented, “Over his meteoric career, Neil Diamond created one of the greatest recording catalogues in pop music history. To be able to represent it in its entirety is both an honor and a thrill, and the entire Universal Music team looks forward to upholding his iconic legacy.”
Diamond said, “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, Jody, Bruce, Michelle 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.” [Photo Credit: Andreas Terlaak]
