LONDON, UK (Top40 Charts/ Universal Music Group) Further expanding the company's catalogue of 20th century classics, Universal
Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has entered into an agreement to administer beloved songwriter Irving Berlin's music publishing catalogue for the world outside of North America. The announcement was made today by Paul Connolly, President of
Europe & United Kingdom, UMPG, along with Irving Berlin's daughters Mary Ellin Barrett,
Linda Emmet and
Elizabeth Peters who, together with JPMorgan Chase Bank, jointly manage the songwriter's trust. UMPG takes over the administration for most of the catalogue throughout the territory beginning January 1, 2012, with other songs included later.
Over the course of Mr. Berlin's illustrious 60-year career, he composed an unprecedented 1,500 songs, 19 Broadway shows and 18 Hollywood films, garnering multitudes of awards and honors along the way, including eight Academy Award nominations, multiple Tony Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Among his most beloved standards are "Easter Parade," "White Christmas," "Happy Holiday," There's No Business Like Show Business," "Puttin' On The Ritz," "Blue Skies," and the American stalwart, "God Bless America." Mr. Berlin's songs have been covered by a cross-generational who's-who of noteworthy artists including Ethel Merman, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, Cher, Diana Ross, Willie Nelson,
Aretha Franklin and
Celine Dion, to name just a few.
"People often say that this song or that song provided a soundtrack for a certain moment in their lives," stated Mr. Connolly. "And more often than not, for those most special moments, they are Irving Berlin songs. They truly transcend generations and they're woven into the very fabric of our culture. So it's a privilege for all of us to work with Mr. Berlin's three daughters who are such inspiring guardians of his musical legacy, and we're really excited about the catalogue's potential for future growth and development."
"Irving Berlin's music is timeless," commented Zach Horowitz, President & COO of Universal
Music Group. "His songs continue to inspire, entertain and connect with generation after generation. It is an honor and privilege that his family has chosen Universal to look after this treasure trove of musical masterpieces."
