David Bowie Estate Sells Songwriting Catalog to Warner Chappell for $250 Million

David Bowie’s estate has sold the singer’s publishing catalogue to Warner Chappell Music. According to a report by Variety, the catalogue was acquired for “upwards of $250 million.” The deal, which has been in the works for several months, spans Bowie’s career from 1968 to 2016, including 26 studio albums, his recent posthumous release Toy, both albums from his Tin Machine side project, and other works. The acquisition is the latest in a wide-ranging series of deals by Warner Chappell, which include catalogue deals with Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Quincy Jones, Anderson .Paak, Saweetie, and the estate of George Michael.

Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot said in a statement:

All of us at Warner Chappell are immensely proud that the David Bowie estate has chosen us to be the caretakers of one of the most groundbreaking, influential, and enduring catalogs in music history. These are not only extraordinary songs, but milestones that have changed the course of modern music forever. Bowie’s vision and creative genius drove him to push the envelope, lyrically and musically — writing songs that challenged convention, changed the conversation, and have become part of the canon of global culture. His work spanned massive pop hits and experimental adventures that have inspired millions of fans and countless innovators, not only in music, but across all the arts, fashion, and media. We are looking forward to tending his unparalleled body of songs with passion and care as we strive to build on the legacy of this most extraordinary human being.

Allen Grubman added on behalf of the David Bowie Estate and RZO: “We are truly gratified that David Bowie’s body of music will now be in the capable hands of Warner Chappell Music Publishing. We are sure they will cherish it and take care of it with the greatest level of dignity.”