Music icon Bob Dylan sells entire music catalogue to Sony

Bob Dylan has sold his entire catalogue of recorded music as well as “the rights to multiple future new releases” to Sony Music Entertainment (SME), in the music industry’s latest high profile acquisition.

This landmark deal includes Dylan’s entire body of recorded work since 1962, beginning with the artist’s self-titled debut album and continuing through 2020’s highly acclaimed and successful Rough and Rowdy Ways.

The agreement also provides the opportunity for SME to partner with Dylan on additional projects.

May your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young

Bob Dylan signed to Columbia Records in 1961 and today Sony Music announced it has fully acquired his entire catalog of recorded music, as well as the rights to multiple future new releases. pic.twitter.com/hdVaHGkuhi

— Sony Music News (@sonymusicnews) January 24, 2022

Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer said “Columbia Records has had a special relationship with Bob Dylan from the beginning of his career.”

“We are tremendously proud and excited to be continuing to grow and evolve our ongoing 60-year partnership. Bob is one of music’s greatest icons and an artist of unrivaled genius,” he said.

“The essential impact he and his recordings continue to have on popular culture is second to none and we’re thrilled he will now be a permanent member of the Sony Music family. We are excited to work with Bob and his team to find new ways to make his music available to his many fans today and to future generations.”

The “Like a Rolling Stone” hitmaker said in a statement “Columbia Records and Rob Stringer have been nothing but good to me for many, many years.”

“I’m glad that all my recordings can stay where they belong,” he said.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s singular recording career. He was signed to SME’s Columbia Records in October 1961 by the label’s John Hammond and recorded his debut album that same year.

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