Paul Simon Sells Catalogue To BMG

As the catalogue grab continues BMG acquires a “substantial stake” in the music of acclaimed songwriter and two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Paul Simon. The company announced deal on Thursday (June 22, 2023), revealing that it includes Simon’s royalty income from his recordings with Simon & Garfunkel, as well as his neighboring rights income. It’s important to note that Simon had previously sold his publishing catalogue to Sony Music Publishing in 2021.

While specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed, sources indicate that it is one of the most significant deals BMG has made in recent years. The acquisition encompasses the rights to iconic hits such as “The Sound of Silence,” “The Boxer,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Simon and Garfunkel emerged as one of the most successful acts of the 1960s, with Simon’s songwriting talent contributing to their enduring musical legacy.

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Paul Simon was represented in this transaction by Gene Salomon and Don Passman from Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Thomas Scherer, BMG’s President of Repertoire & Marketing in Los Angeles and New York, expressed his admiration for Paul Simon’s immense contribution to popular music history and affirmed BMG’s commitment to honoring and respecting his music.

BMG’s CEO-designate, Thomas Coesfeld, expressed delight over securing the agreement with Paul Simon and acquiring the royalty interests in Simon & Garfunkel recordings and neighboring rights income. Coesfeld acknowledged the significance of this transaction and highlighted how it reinforces BMG’s position as the preferred home for the industry’s greatest artists.

In recent years, BMG has successfully concluded various acquisitions pertaining to rights and/or royalties for renowned artists and songwriters. Notable names include Tina Turner, John Legend, Mötley Crüe, ZZ Top, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Frampton, Harry Nilsson, John Lee Hooker, Simple Minds, Primal Scream, Jean-Michel Jarre, and most recently, The Hollies, among others.

The company already represents or owns rights to the works of esteemed artists such as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, George Harrison, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and the addition of Paul Simon’s music to their impressive catalogue, BMG continues to solidify its position as a leading force in the music industry.