Linda Ronstadt is selling her music…
The 74-year-old half-Mexican American Grammy-winning singer has sold her recorded music assets to Iconic Artists Group for an undisclosed amount.
The deal is for the masters Ronstadt owns and the royalties from the ones she does not. It’s not clear which masters from the five decades long career Ronstadt may own.
Publishing rights are, however, not included in the deal; the overwhelming majority of Ronstadt’s hits, like the Eagles’ “Desperado,” and The Everly Brothers’ “When Will I Be Loved,” are covers.
Although Ronstadt’s name and likeness are not included in the deal, the company, which is owned by Irving Azoff, may use them to promote the catalog.
“I’m very pleased about this partnership,” said Ronstadt. “It’s extremely gratifying to be in the company of Irving Azoff, his team, and his family of great artists, many of whom have been my friends and colleagues for years. It feels like home.”
Azoff commented on the sale by crediting Ronstadt for helping him create his career, and stated that without “Linda Ronstadt and John Boylan, there would have never been an Eagles.”
“The countless tours together with the Eagles and Linda and their collaborations are the backbone of the history of Southern California music,” Azoff continued. “For Linda and John to entrust us with the honor of furthering her work is one of the most satisfying moments of my career. Linda’s talent is unparalleled, but her courage and commitment to make important music of many genres is her legacy. We will preserve that legacy for her at all costs. Thank you, Linda and John. We won’t let you down.”
Ronstadt had her first hit in 1967 as the lead singer of the Stone Poneys, debuted a Spanish language album (before it was popular) in the 80s, and officially retired from singing in 2011. Just a month ago (February), she won her 11th Grammy Award for Best Music Film for her documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.
