Key Takeaways
- BMG has acquired the remaining interests in the publishing catalogs of Burt Bacharach collaborator Hal David, blues legend John Lee Hooker, and ARC Music.
- The acquisition includes classic songs such as 'Boom Boom' and 'One Scotch, One Beer'.
- This move strengthens BMG's position as a home for significant works in American music history.
BMG has expanded its portfolio by acquiring the remaining interests in the publishing catalogs of Burt Bacharach collaborator Hal David and blues legend John Lee Hooker, alongside ARC Music. This acquisition was announced on Monday (July 13) and brings a rich collection of classic hits into BMG's ownership.
In 2022, BMG had already acquired the music publishing catalog of John Lee Hooker, including iconic songs such as 'Boom Boom', 'One Scotch, One Beer' and 'Boogie Chillen’. The latest acquisition also includes Hooker’s recorded master royalties and certain recorded masters spanning from 1980's Alone Vol. 1 to 2020's Black Night Is Falling.
The addition of these catalogs brings songs by Chuck Berry, Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and more into BMG’s portfolio. Monti Olson, executive vice president and head of publishing at North America for BMG, stated in a statement: 'The musical catalogs of Hal David, John Lee Hooker and ARC Music are cornerstones of modern music.'
John Lee Hooker is widely recognized as one of the grandfathers of pop music. His rich, sonorous voice and brooding rhythmic guitar have influenced numerous artists including Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, and ZZ Top.
Hooker’s longest-lasting hit, 'Boom Boom', peaked on the Hot 100 at No. 60 in 1962 but gained popularity through synch licensing deals and is immortalized by San Francisco blues club the Boom Boom Room. Other notable songs include 'Crawlin’ King Snake' and 'I’m in the Mood'. Hooker had a crossover hit in 1970 with the album ‘Hooker ‘n’ Heat’, a collaboration with Canned Heat.
The acquisition of ARC Music’s catalog further strengthens BMG's position as a home for significant works in American music history. Olson continued: 'Completing our ownership of these catalogs ensures that these songs continue to be protected and introduced to new audiences for generations to come.'
This move by BMG not only enhances its collection but also secures the legacy of classic artists, ensuring their timeless melodies and lyrics resonate across generations.
The musical catalogs of Hal David, John Lee Hooker and ARC Music are cornerstones of modern music.
Monti Olson, Executive vice president and head of publishing at North America for BMG
