Paul Simon sells entire back catalogue to Sony Music Publishing

US singer-songwriter Paul Simon has become the latest big name in music to cash in on their songbook, selling his entire back catalogue to Sony Music Publishing for an undisclosed sum.

Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Stevie Nicks have made similar deals over the past year, earning nine-figure cash sums in exchange for the rights to their songs. Publishing companies earn royalties from the songs being performed and included as soundtracks within film, TV and advertising.

“I’m pleased to have Sony Music Publishing be the custodian of my songs for the coming decades. I began my career at Columbia/Sony Records and it feels like a natural extension to be working with the Publishing side as well,” Simon said, announcing the deal.

With the acquisition, Sony now owns one of the most celebrated song catalogues of the past 50 years, including classic tracks like Simon and Garfunkel’s 'The Boxer,' 'Mrs. Robinson,' and the 'Sound of Silence' along with Simon’s solo works like 'Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard' and 'Graceland.'

“Paul Simon is a masterful, once-in-a-lifetime songwriter whose remarkable body of work has generated an enduring influence on our culture and consciousness,” Sony Music Publishing CEO John Platt said in a statement.

“From Simon and Garfunkel standards like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' to solo classics such as 'Graceland,' Paul Simon’s music resonates deeply as a cultural touchstone for people all over the world. To represent his indelible songs is an incredible honour for Sony Music Publishing, so with tremendous pride, I welcome Paul to our family.”

79-year-old Simon has retired from touring, rounding out his career with Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour in 2018. He has not ruled out one-off concerts, though, and returned to the stage at Outside Lands festival in San Francisco two years ago. His most recent album is 2018’s In the Blue Light. Read the Hot Press review of the LP here.