Warner Chappell Music Acquires Gene Autry Music Group

Gene Autry. Photo: Gene Autry Estate

Warner Chappell Music has acquired the four publishing companies comprising the Gene Autry Music Group. Together, these catalogues contain more than 1,500 songs, including classics such as Autry’s signature song, “Back In The Saddle Again,” and the holiday favorite, “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane),” as well as “Just Walkin’ In The Rain” and “You Belong To Me.” In addition, Warner Chappell Music will be administering many of the Autry estate’s master recordings to facilitate one-stop synchronization licensing.

“Gene Autry is an icon in American culture and a pioneer in the evolution of both country and pop music,” said Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair & CEO, Guy Moot, and Co-Chair & COO, Carianne Marshall. “He was not only an incredibly gifted and prolific songwriter, but he assembled an extraordinary publishing catalogue filled with timeless classics and undiscovered gems. We are honored and privileged to be the stewards of this outstanding body of work and help preserve and enhance Gene Autry’s monumental legacy.”

Autry’s 70-year career encompassed work in radio, film, television, and live performances, including rodeo. He recorded over 640 songs, including more than 300 which he wrote or co-wrote, selling more than 100 million records. Autry has been honored by both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Autry also starred in 93 feature films and 91 television episodes of The Gene Autry Show. His popular Melody Ranch weekly radio show ran for 16 years. As Chairman of the Board of a broadcasting and business empire, he owned a string of radio and television stations across the country, along with hotels and other business interests. He was the original and long-time owner of the California Angels Major League Baseball team. In 1988, he founded the Autry Museum of the American West, located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles.

“The Gene Autry Music Group has a long association with Warner Chappell Music,” said Autry’s widow, Jackie Autry. “I’m delighted that Gene’s songs and music catalogues have found a good home with them. I know the music will be treasured and respected for years to come.”