June 22, 2024
Khalid Donnel Robinson, known simply as Khalid, has become a defining voice of his generation with his soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Since his breakthrough with the hit...
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Two years after her split from Gerard Piqué, Shakira has achieved significant milestones, including four major hits and a VMAs Vanguard Award, while preparing to release her next album, Las Mujeres...
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Taylor Swift's songwriting prowess has garnered admiration from numerous celebrities, who each hold special attachments to different tracks from her extensive catalog. Ryan Gosling, for instance...
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Celine Dion, one of the most iconic voices in the music industry, has faced a series of health challenges in recent years that have significantly impacted her singing career. Known for her powerful...
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Don Toliver, the Houston-born maestro of atmospheric melodies and genre-blending soundscapes, is once again redefining the boundaries of music and immersive experiences with his latest album...
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In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, Sabrina Carpenter is a name that’s resonating louder with each passing day. This week, Billboard's Trending Up newsletter highlights Carpenter's...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Selena Gomez has again raised the possibility of stepping away from the music industry, less than three years after contemplating retirement. During an appearance on the SmartLess podcast with...
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Throughout 2024, The Beatles have been consistently appearing and reappearing on the Billboard charts, with their presence often varying by week and by album. While the legendary band often charts...
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Badshah, born Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia on November 19, 1985, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the Indian music industry. Known for his unique style that blends hip-hop with...
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David Bowie's self-titled debut album, an essential piece of music history, is set to captivate old and new fans alike with its upcoming groundbreaking reissue. This fresh take on Bowie’s early...
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Normani is ready to take the music world by storm with her highly-anticipated debut solo album, Dopamine. The singer, who first rose to fame as a member of Fifth Harmony, revealed the album's track...
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"Hardstone Psycho" has four distinct parts, each offering a unique musical journey. The album opens with the featureless cuts "Kryptonite" and "Tore Up," setting a powerful tone before Kodak Black...
Read moreSony Music's recent announcement to acquire the majority of Queen's music catalogue, along with various other rights, signifies a monumental deal valued at approximately £1 billion (around $1.27 billion), according to Variety. This acquisition excludes the revenue from live performances, which will remain with founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor, who continue to tour with singer Adam Lambert. The catalogue includes timeless classics such as "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Another One Bites the Dust," "We Will Rock You," and "We Are the Champions," which remain immensely popular and influential.
However, Sony's transition to acquiring Queen's music rights isn't without challenges. Disney retains the recorded-music rights for the US and Canada, a result of a $10 million licensing deal struck in 1991 and subsequent acquisitions in the 2000s. These rights will remain with Disney indefinitely. Additionally, the group's current distribution deal with Universal will transfer to Sony in all territories outside the US and Canada upon its expiration in 2026 or 2027, ensuring a phased transition.
Queen's origins trace back to the collaboration of May and Taylor in the band Smile, later joined by Freddie Mercury and John Deacon to form Queen. Each member contributed significantly to the band's success, with chart-topping singles penned by all four. Despite Mercury's untimely death in 1991, Queen's music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, maintaining a strong presence on the radio, in sports arenas, and across various media platforms. This acquisition by Sony underscores the enduring value and legacy of Queen's music.