Prince’s Estate Signs With Universal Music

Universal Music Publishing Group made it official Wednesday that they will be the exclusive source for the entire song catalog of Prince.

UMPG announced they will be “responsible for servicing and administering Prince’s expansive catalog of songs” and will “work closely with the artist’s estate to develop new creative outlets for his music.”

Prince and his staff managed publishing before his death handling administration after the UMPG contract ended in 2013.

CEO Jody Gerson released a statement: “We’re humbled to be entrusted with Prince’s catalog and I’m grateful to my entire team for their work in making this agreement a reality. With the timelessness and genius of Prince’s music, there are no limits to what we can achieve working with his estate. Prince’s popularity will only continue to grow around the world.”

Prince’s lack of a will has made organizing his estate difficult. Bremer Trust, temporary administrator of the estate, and previously hired associates Charles Koppelman and L. Londell McMillan also released a statement. “With this major agreement,” they said, “the estate maintains ownership of Prince’s music, and now legions of fans from around the world will have even greater opportunities to continue to delight in his incomparable songwriting and musical expression.”