Neil Diamond has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
UMPG will represent Neil Diamond’s songs for synchronisation in film, TV, advertising, games and other media, as well as provide global copyright administration of his entire back catalogue and future works during the term, including his new studio album, Melody Road, which will be released on October 21 via Capitol Records.
Earlier this year Diamond signed a contract with Capitol that united his complete Columbia, Uni/MCA and Bang recording catalogues for the first time.
Universal Music Group (UMG) Chairman & CEO Lucian Grainge said, “It fills me with immense pride to now have Neil’s entire publishing and recorded music catalogues both at Universal Music. Neil’s enduring popularity is a testament to his considerable talents as a performer and songwriter. We look forward to continuing to work with Neil and to maximize opportunities for him and his music on a global scale.”
Evan Lamberg, UMPG President, North America, said: “Neil is one of the greatest and most timeless songwriter-artists of any generation. He continues to write some of the very best songs of his career and we are extremely honored to have him join the Universal Music Publishing family.
“We would also like to thank Steve Barnett and the entire Capitol Records team, as well as Neil’s manager and wife Katie McNeil Diamond, who will all be invaluable partners as we globally work his new music and catalogue.”
Before he became a recording artist, Neil Diamond penned such Top 20 hits as “Sunday and Me” by Jay and the Americans, “I’m a Believer” and “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” by The Monkees, “I’ll Come Running” by Cliff Richard, and “The Boat the I Row” by British singer Lulu.
As a solo artist, Diamond’s hits have included “Solitary Man,” “Cherry, Cherry,” “Girl, You’ll be a Woman Soon,” “Thank the Lord for the Night Time,” “Kentucky Woman,” “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show,” “Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good),” “I Am…I Said,” “Holly Holy,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Soolaimon,” “Longfellow Serenade,” “If You Know What I Mean” and the famous duet with Barbra Streisand, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”.
His soundtrack album for the film “The Jazz Singer,” consisted of songs he performed and wrote or co-wrote — including “Love on the Rocks,” “Hello Again,” and “America.”
Diamond’s songs have been covered by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, and Smashmouth, among others. UB40’s version of Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” topped the charts in both the U.S. and U.K.Music Business Worldwide
