SONGS Music Publishing Acquires George Gershwin Catalog

According to The Hollywood Reporter, SONGS Music Publishing has picked up the exploitation rights to the George Gershwin catalog, with the intent to "deploy creative strategy for the catalog of songs." SONGS acquired the catalog from the Godowsky family and Heyward Memorial Fund.

The deal gives the company access to PORGY AND BESS, SHALL WE DANCE, and more, and such songs as 'Summertime,' and 'Nice Work If You Can Get It.' SONGS will reportedly develop a marketing campaign to highlight the catalog at various evenets in New York City and Los Angeles, with its sights on creating "a series of master recordings featuring covers of the compositions by established and upcoming contemporary artists for the movie, TV and advertising music supervision community."

"As a global contemporary co-publisher, this is not our typical deal," SONGS Music Publishing's founder and CEO Matt Pincus told THR. "It came about organically, as Jon Keidan [trustee for the Gershwin/Godowsky Trust] and I are longtime friends. But the chance to work with Jon and his family and the Heyward representatives on this singular, truly world-class set of songs is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and the people at SONGS."

"We could have taken this catalog of songs to any one of a number of major publishers," said Keidan. "But the team that Matt has assembled at SONGS are young, creative and determined, and they understand how to best market these songs, particularly in our digital industry. We feel their energy will breathe new life into these works to ensure that they live on for many generations to come."

For The Hollywood Reporter's original announcement, click here.

Photo Courtesy of SONGS' Official Website