Tina Turner Made Massive Move Just Before Her Death At 83

By
David Rufful
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Before music icon Tina Turner passed away, she made headlines by selling her entire music catalog to publishing company BMG in what was dubbed as its largest acquisition of an artist’s music.

In 2021, BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch spoke to Rolling Stone about the deal, stating, “We all know how iconic Tina’s work is.”

“When you look at the dimensions Tina’s career has entered even in the last few years between musicals and documentaries, there’s still so much untapped potential with her legacy.”

Although the amount of the deal was not disclosed, BBC News reported that experts estimated it to be around $50 million.

At the time of the sale, the “Proud Mary” singer expressed her confidence in BMG, stating that she felt her music was “in reliable hands.” Despite her passing, her legacy will continue to live on through her timeless music.

“Like any artist, the protection of my life’s work, my musical inheritance, is something personal,” Turner said. “I am confident that with BMG and Warner Music, my work is in professional and reliable hands.”

The deal included the use of her name, image and likeness. She also sold royalties and publishing rights for her entire catalog, including hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “The Best” and “Private Dancer.”

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Turner was following a recent trend of other mega-stars like Bob Dylan, Justin Bieber and Bruce Springsteen who also chose to sell their back catalogs.

On Wednesday, BMG, calling itself the “custodian of Tina Turner’s music interests,” expressed its “deep loss and sadness” over the 83-year-old’s death in a statement on its website

“With her the world loses a music legend and a role model,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with Tina’s husband Erwin Bach and her family and friends.”

Masuch said, “There will only ever be one Tina Turner. Her music and her life’s journey touched so many people. We send our condolences to her dear manager and husband Erwin and all those who loved her.”

Masuch told Rolling Stone in 2021 that he had a friendship with Turner and her husband, and they had casually discussed a deal. Eventually, he said, her team reached out more formally and three months of negotiations took place.

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After the sale, Masuch said the company planned to use social media to introduce Turner to a younger generation.