LOS ANGELES, CA (Universal
Music Publishing Group) - In a landmark agreement, Universal
Music Publishing Group today announced the renewal of a long term worldwide publishing administration deal with of one of music's royal elite - PRINCE.
Commented David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group: "Not only is Prince a legend, but he remains a world-class musician, considered by many to be the most prolific hit-maker of our generation as well as one of the best live artists. The fact that he is re-signing to Universal Music Publishing Group speaks to the dedication and commitment we can show to a world-class high caliber artist like Prince. We are thrilled to have concluded this deal and consider it a privilege to continue our long-term relationship with him."
The deal includes administration of Prince's numerous future works and his complete, extensive back catalog of more than 35 albums and compilations including landmark, multi-platinum albums Musicology, 1999, Sign O' The Times, Diamonds and Pearls, Parade, Around the World in a Day, Emancipation, Purple Rain, and Batman - The Motion Picture Soundtrack.
In 2004, the incredible musical genius of Prince continued to reign with the success of what many consider the biggest comeback album of the year, Musicology (NPG/Columbia) and a sold-out tour named Billboard Top Earning Tour of the Year, grossing $90.2 million in ticket sales. Following his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Prince shined in the spotlight again when he opened the 46th annual Grammy awards with a show-stealing duet alongside Beyonce Knowles.
In his 20-year lustrous career as a vocalist, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist has fourteen No.1 U.S. singles to his credit (including "1999," "I Wanna Be Your Lover," "Let's Go Crazy," "When Doves Cry," "Raspberry Beret," "Kiss," "Sign O' The Times," "Batdance," "Cream," "Gett Off," "Diamonds and Pearls," and more), and twenty-six No.1 single chart positions across the Pop and R&B charts, as well as four No. 1 albums (Purple Rain Soundtrack, Around the World in a Day, Batman, and Diamonds and Pearls) and over 36 Top 10 album positions, Prince is one of the few artists to simultaneously experience a No.1 single ("When Doves Cry"), album (Purple Rain Soundtrack), and movie (Purple Rain). Prince has also penned major hits recorded by Sinead O'Connor ("Nothing Compares To You"), and Chaka Khan ("I Feel For You") plus written and/or produced works for countless artists including some of the world's most successful including Madonna, Celine Dion, Sheila E., Paula Abdul, The Bangles, Sheena Easton, Tevin Campbell and Kate Bush.
