It’s a sweet deal for Neil Diamond.
Universal Music Group reached an agreement with the prolific “Sweet Caroline” singer-songwriter to acquire the rights to his entire song catalog and handle Diamond’s future releases, the company announced Monday.
Universal didn’t announce the terms of the agreement, but said the acquisition includes 110 previously unreleased songs by Diamond, as well as a never-before-heard album.
The Brooklyn, New York-born Diamond, whose many hits also include “Solitary Man” and “I’m a Believer,” celebrated the agreement Monday, saying, “After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together.”
The deal was touted by Universal as a way of bringing all of Diamond’s music to one place. The 81-year-old musician has worked with Universal as his publishing administrator since 2014.
“Neil Diamond is by definition, a truly universal songwriter. His immense songbook and recordings encompass some of the most cherished and enduring songs in music history,” Lucian Grainge, the chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said in a statement.
“Through our existing partnership, we are honored to have earned his trust to become the permanent custodians of his monumental musical legacy.”
Any new music by Diamond will be recorded and released by Universal under their agreement, according to Monday’s announcement.
Diamond, 81, said he feels confident the company will “continue to represent my catalogue, and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fueled my career.”
The veteran artist, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, has sold more than 130 million albums.
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