Primary Wave Music has struck a catalog acquisition deal with Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and longtime Madonna collaborator Patrick Leonard.
The deal sees the company acquire his rights in his music publishing and recorded music catalogs, as well as his master royalties as a producer.
Included in what Primary Wave describes as a “multi-million-dollar deal”, are Leonard’s share of a number of hits from Leonard Cohen such as You Want It Darker, It Seemed the Better Way, and If I Didn’t Have Your Love.
The deal also encompasses his share of songwriter royalties from his work with Madonna. Songs include a number of her No.1 hits such as La Isla Bonita, Frozen, and the classic Like A Prayer.
The deal follows Primary Wave Music Publishing‘s acquisition last month of a majority stake in the music publishing catalog of British ’90s R&B star Mark Morrison.
In February, Primary Wave struck an acquisition deal with Wilson Phillips members Chynna Phillips and Carnie Wilson.
Primary Wave also acquired the legendary recording company Sun Records in January.
Leonard is also an accomplished producer having worked with a number of award-winning singers throughout his career including Roger Waters, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Jewel, Fleetwood Mac and many others.
Primary Wave says that the deal will see it enter into “go-forward deals” with Leonard to administer his publishing as well as distribute his masters on all future projects.
Additionally, the company says that Leonard will also now have access to its marketing team and publishing infrastructure, which includes digital strategy, licensing, synch opportunities as well as film, television and theatrical production.
Los Angeles-based songwriter, producer, keyboardist, and film composer, Patrick Leonard has collaborated with artists such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Jewel, Robbie Robertson, Leonard Cohen and more.
He’s probably best known, however, for his long-time collaboration with Madonna.
His work with the singer includes her albums True Blue, Who’s That Girl, Like a Prayer, I’m Breathless and Ray of Light.
He also scored Madonna’s 2008 documentary I Am Because We Are, played keyboards with her at Live Aid in 1985, and was both musical director and keyboardist on the singer’s The Virgin Tour and Who’s That Girl World Tour.
Leonard’s soundtrack production credits include the films Moulin Rouge, Shrek, Legally Blonde, and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
As a performer, Patrick was a founding member, as well as principal songwriter, for early 90’s progressive-pop studio band, Toy Matinee.
He also founded his own label, Unitone, through which he has released his own original music. The 1997 album Rivers was his first offering. That album was reissued and distributed by Rounder Records in 2000.
“When I met Larry and Adam and the formidable team at Primary Wave it was clear that it was all about music and the possibilities.”
Patrick Leonard
Patrick Leonard said: “A while back, when I was making multiple albums a year, there was a group of people that I did work for and did work for me that I both depended on and respected.
“It was a bit like an extended family and really, there’s been nothing like it since. When I met Larry and Adam and the formidable team at Primary Wave it was clear that it was all about music and the possibilities.
“It was almost shocking and immediately reminded me of those years that were so productive for me. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to become a member of their vision”.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Patrick Leonard to Primary Wave as he fits in perfectly with our family of artists.”
Adam Lowenberg, Primary Wave Music
Adam Lowenberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Primary Wave Music, said: “I am extremely excited to welcome Patrick Leonard to Primary Wave as he fits in perfectly with our family of artists.
“I’m thrilled to begin developing innovative initiatives to help continue making the public aware of Patrick’s musical genius.”Music Business Worldwide
