The 10 Biggest Music Catalogue Sales of All Time

In recent years, the music industry has witnessed a surge in high-profile catalogue sales, with legendary artists and estates cashing in on decades of recorded work. What was once a quiet corner of the business has now become a booming market… and for good reason. As streaming revenue becomes more predictable and licensing demand rises, investors are willing to pay massive sums for proven hits that generate steady royalties.

From Bob Dylan to Justin Bieber, this article breaks down the ten biggest music catalogue deals ever recorded. We’ll explore who sold, what was included, how much was paid, and what it means for the artists and the industry at large.

1. Bruce Springsteen - $500+ Million (2021)

In what’s widely considered the largest catalogue sale in history, Bruce Springsteen sold both his publishing rights and master recordings to Sony Music in 2021. The deal reportedly surpassed $500 million, giving Sony control over albums like 'Born to Run' and 'Born in the U.S.A'.

This landmark transaction set a new benchmark for legacy catalogue valuations and sparked a wave of similar deals.

2. Bob Dylan - $450+ Million (2020 & 2022)

Bob Dylan sold his publishing rights to Universal Music Publishing Group in 2020 for an estimated value of over $300 million. Two years later, he followed up with the sale of his master recordings to Sony Music in another deal believed to be worth between $150-200 million.

With one of the most influential catalogues in modern songwriting, Dylan’s deal highlighted the immense value of publishing in a streaming-led industry.

3. Phil Collins and Genesis – $300 Million (2022)

Phil Collins, along with Genesis bandmates Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, sold their combined publishing and master rights to Concord Music Group in 2022. The deal was estimated at around $300 million and included solo hits like ‘In the Air Tonight’.

This sale underlined the growing value of both group and solo careers, especially when they span multiple decades.

4. Sting – $300 Million (2022)

The former Police frontman sold his entire catalogue (both solo and band material) to Universal Music Publishing Group. Songs like ‘Every Breath You Take’, which has become one of the most played tracks in broadcast history, added significant weight to the deal.

Sting stated he chose Universal due to their global reach and ability to preserve the artistic integrity of his work.

5. David Bowie - $250 Million (2022)

The estate of David Bowie sold his publishing rights to Warner Chappell Music for a reported $250 million. The deal included the rights to more than six decades of songwriting, covering iconic hits such as 'Space Oddity', 'Heroes' and 'Let’s Dance'.

The transaction ensured Bowie’s music would remain under the care of a global major while generating consistent licensing revenue for years to come.

6. Dr. Dre – $200+ Million (2023)

Dr. Dre sold a portion of his music income streams and royalties to both Universal Music Group and Shamrock Capital. The deal reportedly included revenue from his master recordings, publishing, and artist royalties from his time at Death Row and Aftermath.

Although not a full catalogue sale, it was still one of the largest transactions involving a hip-hop producer and artist to date. With reports of the deal being worth an estimated $200-250 million.

7. Justin Bieber - $200 Million (2023)

At just 28, Justin Bieber became one of the youngest artists to cash in on his catalogue. In 2023, he sold his publishing and master royalties (covering music released up to 2021) to Hipgnosis Songs Capital in a deal reportedly worth around $200 million.

This marked a significant shift in catalogue sales, no longer the preserve of legacy acts but also attractive for modern pop stars with global reach.

8. Neil Young – $150 Million (2021)

In 2021, Neil Young sold a 50% stake in his publishing catalogue to Hipgnosis Songs Fund. Although he has been historically anti-commercial, Young stated that Hipgnosis respected his artistic vision and promised to avoid placing his songs in inappropriate adverts.

The deal included classics like 'Heart of Gold' and 'Old Man', which demonstrates how even partial catalogue sales can yield substantial value.

9. Red Hot Chilli Peppers – $140 Million (2021)

Hipgnosis also acquired the publishing catalogue of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers in 2021. The deal covered songwriting rights to hits such as 'Californication', 'Under the Bridge', and 'Scar Tissue'.

With continued touring and high streaming numbers, the band’s catalogue remains a strong earner in the digital era.

10. Shakira – $100 Million (2021)

In one of the most notable Latin music deals, Shakira sold the publishing rights to her 145-song catalogue to Hipgnosis in early 2021. This included global hits like 'Hips Don’t Lie' and 'Whenever, Wherever'.

Her catalogue's strong international appeal, multilingual reach, and sync potential made it an attractive acquisition for investors looking to expand beyond English-language music.

Why Are Artists Selling Their Catalogues?

The motivations vary. For some artists, it’s about estate planning and securing their financial legacy. For others, it's a way to cash out on years of earnings in a single transaction, often taxed at lower capital gains rates, rather than income tax.

Additionally, as streaming normalises royalties and sync becomes more valuable, artists see catalogue sales as a strategic way to hand over the administration of their music while retaining the freedom to create new work or go on tour without the burden of business management.

We cover this topic in more detail in our 'The Rise of Music Catalogue Sales' article.

What Does It Mean for the Industry?

Catalogue sales are reshaping the business of music. Investors treat music rights as stable assets, like real estate, which generate consistent income through royalties and licensing. At the same time, these transactions raise important questions about control, legacy, and ownership, particularly as artists lose their grip on how their music is used.

For younger artists, these deals signal a shift in thinking. Selling early can be lucrative, but it also requires careful consideration of the long-term impact.

Cashing In On Your Legacy

The music industry’s biggest catalogue sales reveal just how valuable music rights have become. As more artists (from legends to modern stars) opt to sell, these deals are transforming the economics of the business. Whether you’re a fan, a songwriter, or an investor, one thing is clear: in the age of streaming, music catalogues aren’t just creative legacies, they’re big business.