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Primary Wave buys into Bob Marley catalogue through Chris Blackwell deal

By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 15 January 2018

US music firm Primary Wave has acquired 80% of Island Records founder Chris Blackwell’s share in Bob Marley’s songs and the Blue Mountain Music publishing company. The deal is worth a reported $50 million.

Blue Mountain Music was founded by Blackwell in 1962, and has a roster of songs by artists including Toots & The Maytals, Free, Babba Mall, The B-52s, John Martyn, John Grant and Marianne Faithful, as well as Marley. The Bob Marley estate also retains a share in the late musician’s catalogue.

As part of the deal, Blue Mountain and Primary Wave will also jointly sign new acts, with the latter actively pushing those artists.