Ownership of George Harrison's Song Catalog and Beatles Compositions

The ownership of George Harrison's song catalog, including his Beatles compositions, has been a topic of interest for many years. This article aims to provide an overview of the current ownership status, as well as some background information on the various entities involved.

Current Ownership Status

As of the latest updates in August 2023, the majority of George Harrison's song catalog, including his Beatles compositions, is primarily owned by Harrisongs Ltd., a company he co-founded with his wife Olivia Harrison.

Olivia Harrison has been instrumental in managing her late husband's estate, particularly after his passing in 2001. Her role in preserving and promoting George Harrison's music has been significant. Harrisongs Ltd. manages many of his individual songs, especially those written outside of his time with The Beatles.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Regarding his Beatles compositions, the rights are typically held by Sony/ATV Music Publishing. This company acquired the rights to the Beatles catalog in a deal with Michael Jackson's estate. However, for Harrison's individual songs, the rights are managed through Harrisongs Ltd.

Recent Developments and Publishing Deals

The recent publishing deals involve the Bicycle Music Company, which manages the Harrisongs catalog, and BMG Music. Additionally, there are ongoing negotiations with Dark Horse, which is another label involved in Harrison's music.

Ownership of Solo Work

For George Harrison's solo work, the George Harrison estate owns the copyright. It is important to note that George Harrison did not participate in the Northern Songs arrangement, which means he retained ownership of his own Beatle copyright material.

Current Management

As of 2016, the Harrisongs catalog is administered worldwide by the Bicycle Music Company, a division of Concord Music. The songs are published by Umlaut Corporation, which is controlled by Olivia Harrison, George's widow.

Conclusion

The ownership structure of George Harrison's song catalog is complex but primarily managed by Harrisongs Ltd. and the Bicycle Music Company. These entities ensure that George Harrison's legacy continues to thrive.

Related Keywords

George Harrison, Beatles Compositions, Song Catalog Ownership