Music Industry Moves: BMG Fully Acquires John Lee Hooker, Hal David, ARC Music Publishing Catalogs

BMG has announced its acquisition of the remaining interests in the songwriting works of the publishing catalogs of John Lee Hooker, Hal David, and ARC Music — three major archives that it is no understatement to say helped shape American popular music.

The deal completes a transaction first announced in 2016, when BMG acquired a majority stake in the ARC Music catalog from Fuji Music Group. BMG first partnered with Fuji Music Group to administer the catalog in 2010 before acquiring its majority interest.

The transaction includes the remaining interest in the publishing catalog of Grammy and Academy Award-winning lyricist Hal David, one of the most celebrated songwriters of the 20th century. Best known for his legendary partnership with Burt Bacharach and his defining collaborations with Dionne Warwick, David’s body of work includes “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,” “Walk On By,” “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Do You Know The Way To San Jose?,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” and “What’s New Pussycat?,” among others.

The acquisition also brings the entire publishing catalog of genre-defining bluesman John Lee Hooker fully under BMG for the first time, following a deal in 2022 when BMG co-acquired the rights, with Fuji Music Group, from Hooker’s estate. Songs written by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner include “Boom Boom,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Dimples,” “Boogie Chillen’,” and more.

In addition, BMG has acquired the music publishing counterpart to Chess Records, ARC Music. Founded in 1948 by Leonard and Phil Chess, ARC Music is one of the most important catalogs in the history of blues, pop and rock music, including songs made famous by Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Etta James, and many others.

Monti Olson, BMG EVP, Head of Publishing, North America, said, “The musical catalogs of Hal David, John Lee Hooker, and ARC Music are cornerstones of modern music. Their timeless melodies and lyrics continue to resonate across generations and in pop culture around the world. Completing our ownership of these catalogs further strengthens BMG’s position as a home for some of the most significant works in American music history, ensuring these songs continue to be protected and introduced to new audiences for generations to come.”

+ Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Michelle Branch has signed a new global recordings agreement with BMG. The announcement arrives alongside the release of a new version of “The Game of Love” by New Radicals and Michelle Branch, and ahead of her new EP of re-recorded songs titled “Everywhere and Back Again,” due later this year.

Branch said, “I’m so thrilled to be joining the BMG family for this next chapter. We have a lot of exciting projects I’ve been working on and the enthusiasm from BMG has been palpable. I can’t wait to share what we have in store.”

Jon Loba, BMG President, North & South America, said, “Michelle Branch’s songs are woven into the soundtrack of a generation. From The Spirit Room to ‘The Game of Love,’ her writing and voice helped define a moment in pop-rock that continues to resonate today. We are proud to partner with Michelle as she reimagines these songs for longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.”

+ Nice Life, label home to the Marias, Lizzo, and more, have signed singer-songwriter Hank Heaven, who is described in the announcement as a “New York City trans nonbinary artist.” Their new EP “Welterweight” will be out August 14 and was produced by Phil Weinrobe (Adrienne Lenker, Big Thief). Heaven worked as a guitarist for Samia, Del Water Gap and Gus Dapperton before releasing their first EP in 2022.

+ Warner Chappell Music has announced the promotion of David Goldsen to executive vice president of A&R. Based at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters, he will continue to report to Ryan Press, the company’s president of North America.

Over the course of his 17-year career at WCM, Goldsen has worked closely with of Zach Bryan, Sleep Token, Teddy Swims, Mitski, Vance Joy, the Red Clay Strays, and others.

Press said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with David for over 15 years. He has a rare ability to spot talent ahead of what’s hot before it breaks mainstream, and to guide them toward not just their personal dreams, but real cultural impact. Watching him turn that instinct into massive wins for our songwriters and our team has been incredibly rewarding.”

+ Reservoir Media has announced the acquisition of the catalog of independent label Nacional Records, along with the catalog of its publishing arm, Canciones Nacionales. Reservoir and Nacional will also enter a new joint venture to sign and develop recording artists and songwriters. This partnership is a significant move for Reservoir in the Latin space.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2005 by Tomas Cookman, Nacional has become one of the leading independent labels in Latin music, developing artists across various Spanish speaking markets and genres. Its roster and catalog include acclaimed artists such as Ana Tijoux, Nortec Collective, Bomba Estereo, Tom Tom Club, El Mató a un Policía Motorizado, Aterciopelados, and more, and the label has released albums from such artists as Manu Chao, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Jarabe de Palo and Los Amigos Invisibles. The label earned its first Latin Grammy in 2007 with Aterciopelados’ “Oye.”

Cookman commented, “I have long been a fan of what Golnar and Rell have built at Reservoir. We initially met a few years ago and developed a mutual respect for each other’s work – until it became obvious that we should now build together. I feel we share the same work ethic and, equally as important, a love of music and the industry that supports it.”

Reservoir President and Chief Operating Officer Rell Lafargue added, “Over the last two decades, Nacional has cemented itself as one of the most influential independent music companies in the Latin market, with an incredible catalog and exceptional talent.”

+ Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed country act Kruse Brothers to a worldwide publishing deal. Comprised of Chandler and Miles Kruse the duo scored a hit last year with “White on the Ground” and in February released their debut album “Heartbreak & Honky Tonk.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R Tom Luteran said, “It is rare when you meet artists for the first time and their incredible talent moves you to the point where you know you want to work together, and that’s what happened when we met Chandler and Miles.”

+ Warner Chappell Nashville and Perfect Game Creative have signed a global publishing deal with rising Texas singer-songwriter Jackson Wendell.

Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville, said, “Jackson is a rare talent who captivates listeners with his sharp songwriting and authentic storytelling. His ability to blend traditional country roots with a fresh, contemporary edge is exactly what makes him stand out, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Warner Chappell alongside our partners at Perfect Game Creative.”

+ Sherrese Clarke, founder & CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners, has been named to Black Music Action Coalition’s Executive Leadership Council.

Clarke joins BMAC’s governing body after being recognized as the inaugural recipient of the BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award at the organization’s 2025 Gala. As a member of the Executive Leadership Council, Clarke will help advise BMAC’s strategic priorities, strengthen its advocacy efforts, and provide counsel on initiatives that expand access, create pathways to leadership, and drive lasting systemic change throughout the music industry.

“Long before we recognized Sherrese with the inaugural Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award at last year’s Gala, she had already been a valued supporter of BMAC and someone our leadership deeply admired,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition. “We’ve watched her lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity across our industry. She has built an extraordinary company while never losing sight of the responsibility to create opportunities for others.”

+ Indie music publisher Third Side Music has joined forces with electronic music duo Sofi Tukker (a.k.a. Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) in a new publishing joint venture with the artists’ company, Animal Talk. TSM has also extended its exclusive worldwide publishing administration deal with the group, which was initially signed in 2017.

“It is rare in the music industry to work with the same team for 10+ years, but it’s undeniable when a team is consistently as amazing as Third Side has been for us,” the duo said. “Sync has been such a huge part of our story. We are so grateful for how far our music has traveled around the world because of all the work Third Side has done.”

“Sophie and Tucker have been at the heart of TSM for a decade now and truly feel like family. They consistently define what it means to be a career artist by valuing longevity and uncompromising creative expression. Establishing Animal Talk Publishing together and simultaneously extending our global deal is both the start and continuation of an extremely special relationship that will only continue to build,” says TSM’s EVP of A&R, Brontë Jane.

+ Merlin, the global independent-music trade organization that represents approximately 15% of the recorded-music market, has named Dan Nevin vice president of industry relations. Reporting to Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton, Nevin’s responsibilities include oversight of several of Merlin’s flagship strategic initiatives, including its global trade association sponsorship program and Merlin Engage, its executive development program supporting the next generation of female leaders across the independent music sector.

Lexton said, “The independent sector has never been more globally connected, and Merlin has an important role to play in helping our members succeed in that environment. As we continue to evolve, it’s essential that we build ever stronger relationships around the world, ensuring independent voices are represented wherever the future of music is being shaped. “

+ AEG Presents has expanded its Venue Development team in the form of internal promotions and new hires, with Cameron Marcotte being elevated to Vice President, and Jake Hiersteiner and Mike Ryan promoted to Director roles.  In addition, Alyssa Sarilarp joins the company as Senior Design and Construction Specialist, Will Evans as Senior Project Manager, and Marysol Flores as Administrative Assistant. 

The team is led by Colin Conway, Senior Vice President, Venue Planning, Acquisition and Development, who said, “We’ve spent the last few years thoughtfully building this team, and it’s exciting to see it come together in such a strong and cohesive way. Everyone brings a different perspective — from operations and production to design and construction — and that combination is what allows us to create bespoke, curated venues for artists and fans alike.”

AEG Presents’s venues include Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, Mission Ballroom in Denver, Roadrunner in Boston, The Eastern in Atlanta, Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport, Globe Iron in Cleveland, and The Pinnacle in Nashville.

+ Artist Legacy Group has announced that it will represent the Estate of Raul Malo, the acclaimed singer, songwriter and founding frontman of the Grammy-winning group the Mavericks. ALG will oversee the estate’s intellectual property rights, business interests and archival assets, and secure opportunities for media projects, brand partnerships and consumer products.

“We are so grateful to the Malo Family for allowing us to be part of this next chapter,” said ALG Founder and CEO Ashley Austin. “Raul had that once-in-a-generation voice, but what made him truly extraordinary was his ability to bridge styles, cultures, and generations. Our role is to protect that legacy while developing authentic, enduring ways to keep his music in conversation with the world.”

Betty Malo, Executrix of the Estate of Raul Malo added, “When an artist leaves behind a lifetime of music, creativity, and influence, preserving that legacy becomes more than a personal responsibility—it becomes a duty. That’s why I engaged Ashley Austin as our estate manager: to professionally protect Raul’s intellectual property, oversee opportunities that honor his wishes, and ensure that every decision reflects the extraordinary artist and man he was.”

+ Continuing its 10th anniversary celebration, River House Artists has announced the launch of its management division, the House Management.

Headed by River House EVP Zebb Luster and founder Lynn Oliver-Cline, the management roster includes Hudson Westbrook, Austin Snell (in partnership with Sabrina Butera at Collide Talent), Kenny Whitmire, Tyce Delk, and Matt Lang (in partnership with Joelle Proulx and Vickye Morin at Agence Ranch), as well as Christian singer-songwriter, Chevas Phillips.

“Launching The House Management is an incredibly exciting moment,” Luster said. “More than anything, it’s about the artists. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us, and we continue to be inspired by their talent, work ethic, and vision.”

+ Nvak Collective, the management-label services-publishing company founded by singer-songwriter Tamar Kaprelian, has promoted Hannah Hyman Bein to Director of Operations and Business Development. In her newly expanded position, she will continue overseeing company operations while supporting revenue growth, strategic partnerships and artist initiatives across Nvak’s global roster.

“Hannah Hyman Bein has been with me since the first days of this company, 2020, and there are few people who have seen — or helped build — more of it,” said Kaprelian. “She has worked across the business in a way that is rare, from the Foundation to the Collective, always with the same combination of intelligence, taste, and nerve. Hannah is young, but she has the mind of someone seasoned: she thinks deeply, moves quickly, and has that unusual gift of being both analytical and useful in the same breath..”

+ Alta Music Group has announced the launch of its music publishing division, Alta Publishing, with Zeb Berg joining and leading the new division, which launches with the signing of producer / songwriter Elise Eriksen along with Finnish singer / songwriter, Alma. Alma joins Alta through the company’s new creative venture with Evan Baker’s, Silqscreen. Alta and Silqscreen will continue to jointly sign and develop songwriters and producers through their new agreement which will be led by Silqscreen’s Emmett Power and Berg. Alta Publishing is supported and administered through Sony Music Publishing; Berg joins from Electric Feel, where he most recently served as Head of Producers and Songwriters.

In making this announcement, Jeremy Erlich said, “I’m excited to launch our publishing company under Zeb’s leadership so we can work with the best songwriters and producers in the world starting off with Alma and Elise. I’m thrilled to work with Jon, Katie and their team at Sony Music Publishing and Evan and his team to build Alta Publishing.”

Evan Baker said “Jeremy and I share a vision for what the future of publishing can and should be. Our sole focus will be supporting the most talented songwriters and producers both in established but especially developing markets. I have no doubt between Emmett, Zeb, and our teams we’ll be able to build something genuinely different and compelling for artists, beginning with Alma.”

+ Music Venue Trust has announced the appointment of Chris Hurne as its new Head of External Affairs, effective immediately. Based in London, Chris joins MVT following a career spanning government policy, international trade, science and innovation, and the creative industries. In his new role, he will lead the organisation’s external affairs activity, with a particular focus on strengthening relationships with government, policymakers, industry stakeholders and partners as MVT continues its work to protect and support the UK’s grassroots music venue network.

Chris spent more than eight years working across the UK Government’s creative industries portfolio, most recently at the Department for Business and Trade, where he led engagement with the Creative & Media, Sport & Leisure sectors, supporting investment, trade and growth initiatives.

Music Venue Trust COO Beverley Whitrick said, “Chris brings a deep understanding of how government works, how policy is developed, and how meaningful relationships between industry and decision-makers are built. His experience supporting the growth of the UK’s creative industries, combined with his knowledge of the music sector, makes him a hugely valuable addition to our work. Grassroots music venues are a vital part of the UK’s cultural infrastructure, but they continue to face significant challenges. Having someone with Chris’s experience working across government and industry will help us strengthen our voice, build new partnerships and ensure that the importance of grassroots music venues is understood by those making decisions about the future of music.”