RESERVOIR ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO THE CATALOG OF PROLIFIC AMERICAN SONGWRITER HOAGY CARMICHAEL
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Reservoir announces the acquisition of a global stake in the historic catalog of the late American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. The deals, conducted with Carmichael’s heirs, see Reservoir adding nearly 500 Carmichael titles to its multi-genre portfolio, dating as far back as the 1920s.
Frequently noted as one of the most successful musicians to come out of the Tin Pan Alley era, Carmichael is best known for composing some of the greatest American music of the 20th century including “Georgia On My Mind”, “Heart And Soul”, “Stardust”, “The Nearness Of You”, and “Skylark”, among hundreds of other titles. His 1951 song “In The Cool, Cool, Cool, of the Evening” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
His works have been performed by some of the world’s most illustrious entertainers from historic greats like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Louis Armstrong to rock legends including Keith Richards, George Harrison, and Eric Clapton, and contemporary icons like Norah Jones, Michael Bublé, and Willie Nelson, who won a Grammy in 1979 for his rendition of “Georgia On My Mind.” That same year, the state of Georgia designated “Georgia On My Mind” as the official state song.
In 1971, Carmichael was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, in only its second year, joining an elite group of the world’s greatest writers, which now stands at only 400 total. In addition, Carmichael has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Grammys, two Oscar nominations and one win to his name.
Carmichael’s imprint on American entertainment stretches beyond composing, as he was also an accomplished actor and performer, having appeared in fourteen motion pictures, hosted three musical-variety radio programs, and a slew of popular television programs.
Says Reservoir SVP of A&R and Catalog Development Faith Newman who led the company’s initiative to pursue a global interest in this historic American catalog, with rights varying from territory to territory, “It’s such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a catalog like this. It brings to Reservoir some of the most iconic works in the Great American Songbook, which are just as extraordinary now as when they were written. Being fortunate to work directly with Hoagy’s son, Hoagy Bix, has added an extra special layer to it all.”
Adds Hoagy Bix Carmichael Jr., “I am very excited that Reservoir has joined hands with my father’s song catalog. Their eagerness to work on innovative ideas to promote his works will open up fresh opportunities and place his music in front of new, contemporary audiences. He, too, would be thrilled.”
Reservoir has been working closely with Peer Music, who hold the U.S. administration rights, and will continue to pursue new opportunities for the music and catalog, to ensure that these works reach new audiences for years to come.