UMPG STRIKES
THE MOTHER LODE

In a monumental publishing deal, Bob Dylan’s entire song catalog has been acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group. The Nobel Prize winner’s catalog encompasses six decades and more than 600 song copyrights.

“Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are A-Changin,“ “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Lay Lady Lay,” “Forever Young,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “Tangled Up in Blue,” “Gotta Serve Somebody,” “Make You Feel My Love,” Oscar winner “Things Have Changed” and the latter-day opus “Murder Most Foul” are just the tip of the iceberg.

“To represent the body of work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time—whose cultural importance can’t be overstated—is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said UMPG Chairman/CEO Jody Gerson. “The UMPG global team is honored to be Bob Dylan’s publishing partner, and I especially want to acknowledge Marc Cimino, whose passion and perseverance were instrumental in bringing this opportunity to us. We look forward to working with Bob and the team in ensuring his artistry continues to reach and inspire generations of fans, recording artists and songwriters around the world.”

After pointing out that he’d started his career in music publishing, UMG chieftain Sir Lucian Grainge stated, “It's no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all great music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art. Brilliant and moving, inspiring and beautiful, insightful and provocative, his songs are timeless—whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday. It is no exaggeration to say that his vast body of work has captured the love and admiration of billions of people all around the world. I have no doubt that decades, even centuries from now, the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played—and cherished—everywhere.”

The 12/7 announcement proclaims, “The deal is the most significant music-publishing agreement this century and one of the most important of all time.” You’ll get no argument from us on that score.

A consistent presence on the road, Dylan was about to begin the 33rd year of his Never Ending Tour this spring, with 15 shows in Japan and 25 in the States, when everything came screeching to a halt.

UMPG, though, will have an instant earner once Broadway reopens. The Dylan musical Girl From the North Country was one of 2020's most-anticipated shows. It got in a mere five performances before the Great White Way was shut down.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re gonna sign off and cue up Side 2 of Blonde on Blonde.