Universal Music Seizes Elvis’s Legendary Catalog: A Royalty Roll‑Out
In a move that feels straight out of a rock‑n‑roll dream, Universal Music has snatched the vast song library of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. From timeless ballads like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to the swagger‑laden classic “Jailhouse Rock,” the deal will let Universal publish and pocket profits whenever these tracks pop up in movies, TV shows, or other media.
Why It’s a Big Deal
- Elvis is the best‑selling solo artist ever, with more than 500 million records sold worldwide.
- He boasts an all‑time record: 114 songs that cracked the Billboard Top 40.
- His 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert was the first worldwide live satellite broadcast—talk about turning the world into one giant fan club.
Synchrony with Luhrmann’s Film
Universal’s timing could not be more perfect—director Baz Luhrmann is set to drop his Paul‑Hanks‑rocked biopic “Elvis” in June. With the film’s release, Universal is positioned to tap into a renewed surge of interest in the King’s music.
Who Owns the King’s Catalog?
As of now, Authentic Brands Group holds the rights to Elvis’s catalog. The group is known for managing iconic celebrity brands, from Marilyn Monroe to Muhammad Ali.
Industry Buzz: A Catalogue Boom
Music giants are tightening their grip on artist catalogs to boost royalties, especially after the pandemic stalled new releases and dropped revenue streams. A few headline moves this year:
- Sting sold his entire career catalog to Universal.
- Warner Music Group’s publishing arm grabbed David Bowie’s six‑decade‑spanning catalogue.
With Universal’s newest king in its crown, folks can expect the King’s hits to be the soundtrack of our lives for years—maybe even for a whole new generation of fans.
