Primary Wave Acquires Neil Sedaka Publishing and Masters Stake, ‘May Also’ Participate in Name and Likeness Branding Deals

Primary Wave has officially acquired an interest in the publishing catalog and master rights of “Oh! Carol” singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka.

New York City-based Primary Wave reached out today with word of the deal, after finalizing a Village People partnership in February. In keeping with the industry-wide trend of holding catalog-play financials close to the vest, the purchasing party didn’t disclose the newer transaction’s precise terms.

But Primary Wave did take the opportunity to tout the professional accomplishments of Sedaka, who kicked off his career in 1957 and celebrated his 85th birthday last month.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has penned or co-written north of 500 songs since then (and recorded a number of the works), among them “You Mean Everything to Me,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Calendar Girl,” “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” and “Laughter in the Rain.” (Howard Greenfield co-wrote each of those works except the latter.)

Moving beyond the “Joie De Vivre” and “Manhattan Intermezzo” composer’s many achievements and returning to the specifics of the Primary Wave tie-up, the agreement extends to “his music publishing for all compositions written by him,” per the business.

Included as well are the “master recording rights for all recordings performed by the critically acclaimed legend,” according to Primary Wave, which “may also” participate “in branding rights over Sedaka’s name and likeness.”

Addressing the pact, the five-time Grammy nominee Sedaka emphasized Primary Wave’s “commitment and dedication” to artists and expressed hopes that the company will bring his “extensive collection of songs the attention and exposure it deserves.”

“I am thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Primary Wave – an organization that I have long-admired for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the artists they represent,” said Sedaka. “After almost 70 years in the music business, I’ve gotten pretty good at separating the big talkers from the real deals, and Larry and his team at Primary Wave are about as real deal as it gets.

“I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship that will allow me to work side by side with this amazing organization and finally give my extensive collection of songs the attention and exposure it deserves,” concluded Sedaka, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Closer to April’s beginning, Pophouse Entertainment acquired KISS’ catalog, trademarks, and more, while March delivered a deal between Iconic Artists Group and Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry. Also in March, Iconoclast bought Tony Bennett’s catalog (as well as name and likeness rights), and BMG continued its Eurodance landgrab with a Dr. Alban agreement.