This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News Business News Deals Labels & Publishers
Iconic Artists Group signs deal with David Crosby
By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 4 March 2021
Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group has announced a deal with David Crosby which sees the company acquire the musician’s rights in his publishing and recording catalogues. The deal includes his solo releases, as well as his work with The Byrds and all the various iterations of Crosby, (Stills,) Nash (& Young).
The latest business venture from Azoff has entered the recently busy market for acquiring music rights from legacy artists, competing with the likes of Hipgnosis and Round Hill, not to mention the majors. Although – as stressed in its recent deal with the Beach Boys – Iconic will also get involved in managing the brands and trademarks of at least some of the acts it signs up. That said, the announcement regarding the Crosby deal focuses primarily on his more conventional music rights.
Confirming the deal, Azoff says: “I’ve known David as a friend and have admired him as a great artist since our earliest days at Geffen Roberts Management shortly after I moved to Los Angeles. This is an incredible time to be involved with David and his tremendous catalogue of music. He’s truly one of music’s most prolific songwriters and artists, and I’m honoured he has made Iconic the steward of his timeless musical legacy”.
If you are wondering why this is a particularly “incredible time to be involved with David”, Azoff may be referencing the fact that the 50th anniversary of Crosby’s first solo album ‘If I Could Only Remember My Name’ has just passed, providing a fine excuse to milk the nostalgia market.
“David’s impact on music and culture is only equalled by the lasting power of his beautiful and sophisticated songs”, adds Iconic co-founder and CEO Olivier Chastan. “From the gorgeous melodies of ‘Guinnevere’ and ‘Déjà Vu’ to the biting messages of ‘Wooden Ships’ and ‘Almost Cut My Hair’, his music remains as innovative and relevant as it did when it was first created. I’m THRILLED that David has chosen Iconic to be the custodian of his legacy”.
As for Crosby himself, he kept his statement about the deal short and sweet. “Given our current inability to work live, this deal is a blessing for me and my family and I do believe these are the best people to do it with”, says he. Thanks Dave.
