BMG has acquired country music superstar Jason Aldean’s recorded music catalogue.
The Aldean deal was struck along with interests in the recorded catalogues and publishing rights of a music collection from a cross-section of 23 artists and songwriters, with the entire acquisition encompassing 1,000+ songs across multiple genres.
Although neither the terms of the deal nor the seller have been disclosed, based on Music Week’s previous reporting the acquisition appears to be from Spirit Music Group, who bought the bulk of the Aldean catalogue for around $100 million in 2022. That figure could have more than doubled in this latest BMG deal with Bloomberg reporting that it was valued at around $250m.
To date, the deal marks BMG’s single largest catalogue acquisition investment. Recently the company reported that its total investment in music rights since the launch of parent company Bertelsmann’s Boost program in 2021 has now exceeded $1.5 billion.
Thomas Coesfeld, BMG CEO, said: "This landmark deal sets a new level of catalogue acquisitions at BMG, while underscoring our commitment to the music and the discipline of our approach. By bringing together the iconic catalog of Jason Aldean, we are strengthening our footprint in country music while expanding across genres and deepening our investment in the US – the world’s largest music market.
“This move highlights our ability to maximise the value of music rights and represents a powerful step in BMG’s strategy to be the most effective, artist-first music company in the world.”
This landmark deal sets a new level of catalogue acquisitions at BMG
Thomas Coesfeld
The acquisition of Aldean’s recorded catalogue and neighbouring rights takes his entire music career firmly under BMG again, since it first acquired BBR Music Group in 2017.
Jason Aldean said: "BBR Music Group and BMG have always shown a real commitment to my music and a belief in me as an artist. Knowing all of my music is in the hands of my long-time label team makes this a full-circle moment, and I’m proud to have my songs continue their journey with them through this next chapter.”
The deal spans nine studio albums, including his platinum-certified self-titled debut in 2005, the chart-topping 9 in 2019, with BMG’s BBR Music Group imprint Broken Bow Records continuing to release his subsequent albums – double LP Macon, Georgia in 2021-2022 and Highway Desperado in 2023.
Jon Loba, president, frontline recordings, The Americas, said: "Jason Aldean’s debut album was not only a massive commercial success, it helped define the sound of country music for years to come. While his signature style has remained a common thread across every release, Jason has consistently pushed the envelope both sonically and lyrically.
“His unwavering commitment to evolution has ensured that each new album delivers something fresh for fans, while continuing to shape the direction of the genre itself. For millions, those albums mark key moments in their lives, which makes bringing them back to the place where they were born all the more meaningful.”
PHOTO: Brian Higbee
FOLLOW 
