Kobalt Music Copyrights Acquires Steve Winwood’s Catalog

Kobalt Music Copyrights SARL has acquired the global publishing rights to Steve Winwood’s song catalog. The Grammy-winning British artist has penned a raft of hits from the late ‘60s to now, and has enjoyed star turns as frontman with The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and as a solo artist. His works include the late-‘60s pop classics “Somebody Help Me,” “Keep on Running,” “Gimme Some Lovin'” and “I’m a Man.” He’s enjoyed solo smashes with the likes of “Higher Love,” “Roll With It,” “Holding On,” “Back In The High Life Again” and “Valerie,” the chorus of which featured in Eric Prydz’ club hit from 2004, “Call On Me.”

KMC, an entity advised by Kobalt Capital Ltd, now controls Winwood’s entire catalog of 177 songs. Through the arrangement, KMC has acquired both the publisher’s share of the copyrights, as well as the writer’s share (excluding public performance royalties).

“Steve Winwood has remained a major figure in rock ‘n’ roll, a respected artist and writer who has helped to create some of pop music’s most celebrated songs,” comments Willard Ahdritz, founder and CEO of Kobalt Music Group, in a statement. “We’re extremely proud that Steve has chosen Kobalt to be the caretakers of his works. His great music is timeless and will remain relevant and popular for years to come.”

As the official services partner for KMC, Kobalt Music Group will provide numerous services to manage and promote the rights. Kobalt’s publishing division will administer the global publishing rights and provide creative sync and licensing services. Also, Kobalt Label Services has acquired the exclusive right to license certain masters owned by Winwood, which include re-recordings of his hits, for sync opportunities.

Source: Billboard