IS THE STREAMING OF PRINCE IMMINENT?

Could the Grammy Awards telecast serve as a launching pad for Prince’s music on streaming services? Some say yes; others say let’s not go crazy.

The New York Times reports that plans are afoot to use the 2/12 broadcast as the focus of a major marketing campaign by the companies that have been granted the rights to Prince’s music. A significant tribute to the late musician on the telecast is expected; whether the copyright holders or streaming services advertise during the telecast is up in the air.

The Times reports that Spotify will run promotional spots and online teasers announcing Prince’s arrival on the service. Those spots could begin as early as next week. Bloomberg News reported that his name and likeness would begin showing up on merchandise in the near future as well.

The plan, however, could still fall apart.

The Times quoted L. Londell McMillan, the lawyer who represented Prince and one of the estate’s advisers, “When you are looking to release product, you’re looking for the right moments. The Grammys may represent a moment in time, but it’s not certain that that’s going to be the case.”

While Warner Bros. has the rights to Prince’s most-popular titles, no deal has been struck for his unreleased recordings. To date, WB has only announced the future release of an expanded version of Purple Rain and has not made any announcements regarding streaming.

Charles A. Koppelman, the other key adviser, told Bloomberg News it is better to get deals done now than wait until heirs will take over. “The main entertainment assets of the estate are in better hands today than they were before,’’ Koppelman said, referring to Universal Music Publishing Group and Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights.