John Legend sells his songwriting catalog to KKR, BMG

KKR & Co. Inc. and BMG have jointly acquired the songwriting catalog of R&B powerhouse John Legend.

>> PHOTOS: John Legend through the years

A source close to the negotiations confirmed to Variety that the catalog includes such songs as “All of Me” and “Ordinary People” and that the deal was closed in September.

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Although financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Bloomberg on Thursday was the first media outlet to report the blockbuster deal. The acquisition is unusual, but not unheard of, because Legend, 47, is still an active songwriter, recording artist and performer, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Specifically, Legend sold his publishing copyrights and the rights to receive royalties from music he penned from 2004 through early 2021, with each company purchasing a 50% stake in the catalog, the Journal reported.

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According to Variety, BMG will not only continue to administer the catalog but has also negotiated a new deal to administer Legend’s future compositions.

The announcement comes one month after KKR and BMG acquired the publishing catalog and recording music royalties of Texas-based blues-rock trio ZZ Top for an estimated $50 million, the Journal reported.

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Photos: John Legend through the years Here are some memorable photos of recording artist John Legend through the years. (John Sciulli/Getty Images for Google)

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