Universal Music Group Monday announced the acquisition of the entire Neil Diamond song catalog as well the rights to all recordings from his career, including 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album and archival long form videos.
Universal Music Group will also record and release Diamond’s future music, should the 81-year-old singer decide to return to the studio.
“After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together and I feel confident in the knowledge that Lucian, Jody, Bruce, Michelle and the global team at UMG will continue to represent my catalogue, and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fueled my career,” Diamond said in a statement, referring to Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s chairman and CEO, Jody Gerson, the chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, Bruce Resnikoff, president and CEO, Universal Music Enterprises and Michelle Jubelirer, chair and CEO of the Capitol Music Group.
Universal Music Publishing Group has served as Diamond’s publishing administrator since 2014.
“Neil Diamond is by definition, a truly universal songwriter,” Grainge said. “His immense songbook and recordings encompass some of the most cherished and enduring songs in music history.”
“Through our existing partnership, we are honored to have earned his trust to become the permanent custodians of his monumental musical legacy.”
