3 Musicians Who Sold the Rights to Their Music (And 3 Who Fought To Get Them Back)

Deals in which musicians sell their music to large companies have become increasingly common—and incredibly lucrative. And while some artists are willing to give up their music in exchange for financial security, others have been clear that no amount of money is worth losing creative control of their life’s work.

Bruce Springsteen

In 2021, Bruce Springsteen sold his masters and publishing rights to Sony Music Group for a reported $500 million. His catalog spanned his 50-year-plus career and over 300 songs, 20 studio albums, and additional releases. The deal was one of the most lucrative ever made for a musician’s catalog. “I’m thrilled that my legacy will continue to be cared for by the Company and people I know and trust,” Springsteen said of the sale.

Katy Perry

Pop star Katy Perry sold the rights to her five albums released with Capitol Records between 2008 and 2020 to Litmus Music for a reported $225 million in 2023. Universal Music Group still owns the album masters. Litmus Music was co-founded by Dan McCarroll, who is president of Capitol Records, and financed by The Carlyle Group.

Stevie Nicks

Primary Wave got a share of rock legend Stevie Nicks’ publishing catalog in 2020. According to reports, they spent $100 million on an 80% interest, which included some of Nicks’ songs with Fleetwood Mac. The deal also included rights to her name and likeness. Nicks’ bandmate Christine McVie also sold her own catalog.

Taylor Swift

In perhaps one of the most famous battles over music, Taylor Swift finally acquired her master recordings, as well as videos, concert films, album art, photography, and unreleased songs, in 2025. The recordings were initially sold to music executive Scooter Braun in 2019. He then sold them to private equity firm Shamrock Capital.

Prince

In a battle similar to Swift’s, Prince fought Warner Bros. for his masters. His dispute with the label began in the early ’90s, leading them to part ways, but the label retained control of his masters. Prince ultimately regained control of his masters in 2014, after re-signing with Warner Bros.

The Beatles

A long and winding road led from The Beatles losing the rights to their music to Paul McCartney winning them back. In the ‘80s, ATV bought The Beatles’ catalog, and when it later went up for auction, McCartney fought to get it but was outbid… by Michael Jackson. Finally, in 2017, Paul McCartney sued to get the rights back under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, which allows songwriters to reclaim their rights after 56 years.