The Estate Of Prince Rogers Nelson Selects UMG To Manage Artist's Recordings

Will Manage Artist's Recordings

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP has signed a multi-year agreement with the Estate of PRINCE ROGERS NELSON and NPG RECORDS INC., effective immediately, that grants UMG exclusive licensing rights to the iconic artist’s GRAMMY-winning NPG recordings, including a library of 25 albums as well as his unreleased works.
                                                                                      
With this agreement, UMG becomes the home for PRINCE’s music publishing, merchandise and much of PRINCE’s recorded music. Under the terms of the deal, the Estate is licensing to UMG the 25 albums that PRINCE released through NPG RECORDS, a label founded by the artist that includes "Emancipation," "Musicology" and "3121." The agreement also provides for UMG and the Estate to collaborate with regard to PRINCE’s vault of unreleased works from throughout his career, including outtakes, demos and live recordings. In addition, beginning next year UMG will obtain U.S. rights to certain renowned Prince albums released from 1979 to 1995.

In making the announcement, UMG Chairman/CEO SIR LUCIAN GRAINGE said, “PRINCE was one of the greatest musical talents of all time -- an incomparable genius as a performer, recording artist and songwriter. It’s an absolute honor to once again be selected by PRINCE’s estate to be the home for publishing, merchandise and now for so much of his incredible body of recordings. UMG is committed to honoring Prince’s legacy and vision by creating the highest quality products and experiences.”

UMG EVP MICHELE ANTHONY added, “PRINCE is a music icon and his impact on culture will continue to reverberate across the world for generations to come. Having worked with PRINCE on-and-off for 20 years, I was fortunate to experience his incomparable passion, creativity and pursuit of perfection. It’s an honor professionally and personally to be entrusted with these cherished recordings, including his storied ‘vault’ of unreleased music, and to partner with his estate and heirs to preserve and expand PRINCE’s legacy.”

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