John Legend Is Latest to Sell Catalog, But It’s Not on the Same Scale As Legacy Rock Stars Recent Bonanzas
It’s reported that John Legend has sold his catalog and royalty rights to BMG Rights Management and investment firm KKR.
But despite everyone appreciating John Legend’s talents, I’m not sure what he sold. He hasn’t had a hit record in a long time. His biggest hits were “All of Me,” and “Ordinary People,” about a decade ago. His Oscar song with Common, “Glory,” was from the movie, “Selma,” but it’s not really played on the radio. His other hit single, “Save Room,” was a sample of the 60s hit, “Stormy,” written by Buddy Buie and James B. Cobb, Jr. of the Classics IV.
Legend’s bread and butter is live performances, either on tour or one offs for private customers. He also does a lot of TV, which pays something.
But Legend’s catalog is not on a par with Springsteen, Dylan, or most of the others who’ve cashed in lately. I hope he got a good price. I’ll bet he needs some cash. Legend, whose real name is John Stephens, recently invested in the Broadway show, “Ain’t Too Proud.” The show is closing January 16th. Legend also just changed record labels after 16 years, moving from Columbia to Universal. What he should release next is a live album of all the covers he’s done at charity functions, etc. He’s brilliant at them.
