Paul Simon becomes latest music star to sell his back catalogue

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Paul Simon Becomes Latest Music Star To Sell His Back Catalogue
Paul Simon, © PA Archive/PA Images
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By Keiran Southern, PA Los Angeles Correspondent

Paul Simon has become the latest music superstar to sell his back catalogue after reaching an agreement with Sony Music Publishing.

A deal for the singer-songwriter’s works – including classic songs Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Sound Of Silence and Graceland – was announced on Wednesday, though financial details were not revealed.

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The agreement encompasses Simon’s glittering, six-decade career, from his partnership with Art Garfunkel to his prolific output as a solo artist.

Paul Simon
Paul Simon has sold his back catalogue to Sony Music Publishing (Yui Mok/PA)

Simon, 79, said: “I’m pleased to have Sony Music Publishing be the custodian of my songs for the coming decades. I began my career at Columbia/Sony Records and it feels like a natural extension to be working with the Publishing side as well.”

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Simon’s back catalogue is widely seen as one of the most impressive in pop music.

It includes The Boxer, Mrs Robinson, Homeward Bound, I Am A Rock, Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard, 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover and Still Crazy After All These Years.

Sony hailed the deal with Simon, a 16-time Grammy Award winner, as an “incredible honour”.

Jon Platt, chairman & CEO of Sony Music Publishing, said: “Paul Simon is a masterful, once-in-a-lifetime songwriter whose remarkable body of work has generated an enduring influence on our culture and consciousness.

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Paul Simon at Wembley Arena
Paul Simon boasts one of the most acclaimed back catalogues in pop music (Joel Ryan/PA)

“From Simon and Garfunkel standards like Bridge Over Troubled Water to solo classics such as Graceland, Paul Simon’s music resonates deeply as a cultural touchstone for people all over the world.

“To represent his indelible songs is an incredible honour for Sony Music Publishing, so with tremendous pride, I welcome Paul to our family.”

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The deal comes amid a wave of high-profile buy-ups of songwriting catalogues.

In December, it was announced Bob Dylan had sold his back catalogue to Universal Music Group in a deal reportedly worth 300 million dollars (£218 million).

Neil Young sold half of his catalogue to music investment fund Hipgnosis Songs for an estimated 150 million dollars (£108 million) while Stevie Nicks sold a majority of her rights for a reported 100 million dollars (£72.5 million).

Sony Music Publishing also represents the catalogues of artists including the Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Carole King, Michael Jackson, Queen and Stevie Wonder, among others.

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