Who Owns the Beatles Music?

The Beatles are one of the most iconic and influential bands in history, and their music continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world. But who actually owns the Beatles music? The answer to this question is a bit complicated, and it has changed over time.

Early Years

When the Beatles first started out, they signed a contract with EMI Records. This contract gave EMI the rights to distribute and sell the Beatles’ music. However, the Beatles retained ownership of their songwriting copyrights.

Apple Records

In 1968, the Beatles formed their own record label, Apple Records. They also created a holding company, Northern Songs, to manage their songwriting copyrights. For a few years, the Beatles owned and controlled all of their music.

Sale of Northern Songs

In 1969, the Beatles sold Northern Songs to ATV Music. This sale gave ATV the rights to all of the Beatles’ songwriting copyrights, including some of their most famous songs, such as “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude.”

Michael Jackson’s Purchase

In 1985, Michael Jackson purchased ATV Music for $47 million. This gave him control of the Beatles’ songwriting copyrights. Jackson’s ownership of the Beatles music was controversial, and it led to a number of legal disputes.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing

In 2016, Sony Corporation purchased ATV Music for $750 million. This gave Sony/ATV Music Publishing control of the Beatles’ songwriting copyrights. Sony/ATV is one of the largest music publishers in the world, and it represents a wide range of artists, including the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Taylor Swift.

EMI’s Rights

EMI still retains the rights to distribute and sell the Beatles’ recordings. This means that EMI is responsible for releasing new Beatles albums, singles, and compilations. EMI also owns the rights to the Beatles’ master tapes, which are the original recordings of their songs.

Conclusion

So, who owns the Beatles music? The answer is Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which controls the Beatles’ songwriting copyrights. EMI still retains the rights to distribute and sell the Beatles’ recordings. The Beatles themselves no longer own any of their music, but their legacy continues to live on through their iconic songs.

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