Famous veteran artist, David Crosby sells music catalog announcing that he’s sold his music and publishing rights to longtime Eagles‘ manager Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group. This makes it the latest high-profile deal in the music acquisition market. This is Azoff’s second deal after taking a majority stake in The Beach Boys intellectual property in February.

This apparently includes Crosby’s solo work along with his work with The Byrds, Crosby & Nash, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Crosby, Stills and Nash & Young. Crosby has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. The first time for his work with The Byrds and again with Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Crosby, who turns 80 in August, said in a statement that, given their current inability to perform live, this deal was a blessing for him and his family. He stated further that he believes that the Iconic Artists Group are the best people to do it with.

“I’ve known David as a friend and have admired him as a great artist since our earliest days at Geffen Roberts Management shortly after I moved to Los Angeles,” Azoff said in a statement. “This is an incredible time to be involved with David and his tremendous catalogue of music. He’s truly one of music’s most prolific songwriters and artists and I’m honoured he has made Iconic the steward of his timeless musical legacy.”

Entertainment and Events Industry amongst worst effected by COVID-19 tempting David Crosby to sell music catalog

It’s a sad reality that musicians, and indeed everyone in the entertainment and events industry, is among the worst effected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Crosby joins many artists in selling their recording and publishing rights in view of how COVID-19  and live streaming have flattened their earning ability.

Buying up catalogs has become increasingly popular in the past few years. This is particularly among legacy artists, who are thinking about their legacies as well as their estates. Bob Dylan sold his publishing catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group last year while Stevie Nicks negotiated a deal with Primary Wave.

What are your views on these artists selling their recording and publishing rights as David Crosby sells music catalog. Leave your comment below.

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