Prior to her death in May 2023, Tina Turner reportedly sold the rights to her music catalog, including six decades of hit songs such as “Nutbush City Limits” and “The Best.” The 2021 deal was made between Turner and the German company BMG. The deal allows BMG the rights to Turner’s name, image, and likeness for future sponsorship and merchandising deals.
While the financial details were not disclosed outright, close sources said that the deal might have amounted to around 50 million dollars.
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said in a statement regarding the deal, “Tina Turner’s musical journey has inspired hundreds of millions of people around the world and continues to reach new audiences. We are honored to take on the job of managing Tina Turner’s musical and commercial interests…It is a responsibility we take seriously and will pursue diligently.”
At the time of the sale, Turner was signed to Warner Music. According to CNN, BMG said that Warner Music would still be Turner’s recording company.
Following the announcement, Turner released a statement validating her choice, “Like any artist, the protection of my life’s work, my musical inheritance, is something personal…I am confident that with BMG and Warner Music, my work is in professional and reliable hands.”
If anyone has a musical inheritance, it’s Turner. Starting off in a duo with her ex-husband Ike Turner, the “Proud Mary” singer would go on to become the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Later that same year, Turner would be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Turner was also the first Black artist and the first woman to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Turner left behind a legacy that stretches beyond music. After her death, it was reported that her $250 million inheritance would be split between her husband and the rest of her children.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/06/media/tina-turner-rights-intl-scli/index.html
https://www.foxbusiness.com/entertainment/tina-turner-sold-catalog-reported-50m-deal-before-death-83
