Music icon Tina Turner sells music rights to BMG

Rock “n” Roll icon Tina Turner has sold the rights to her extensive music catalogue in a major deal with music publishing company Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG).

The singer, 81, known for such hits as ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ and ‘The Best’ has a music catalogue spanning over six decades and has sold over 100 million records.

The deal includes Tina Turner’s artist’s share of her recordings, her music publishing writer’s share, her image, and likeness. BMG did not disclose the dollar figure of the deal but it is rumoured to be worths tens of millions.

BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said the company was “honoured” to manage Turner’s music portfolio.

“Tina Turner’s musical journey has inspired hundreds of millions of people around the world and continues to reach new audiences,” he said.

“It is a responsibility we take seriously and will pursue diligently. She is truly and simply, the best.”

Welcome @LoveTinaTurner to BMG! https://t.co/HRYnZzjAuY

— BMG (@BMG) October 5, 2021

Turner said in a statement from BMG, “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.”

Turner has won twelve Grammy Awards, has released 10 studio albums, and has been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame twice throughout her music career.

I am absolutely thrilled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame amongst such amazing artists! Thank you for all your continued love and support over the years! Love, Tina ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5IY9WQPsv7

— TinaTurner (@LoveTinaTurner) May 12, 2021

Fellow artists such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young have made similar deals around their music catalogues rights in the past after an increase in the popularity of music streaming.

The many highs and lows of Turner’s life and career were immortalised recently in a 2021 documentary film titled, Tina.