Tom Petty Estate Inks Administration Deal With Warner Chappell Music

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Tom Petty. Photo: Mark Seliger

The Tom Petty Estate has signed a worldwide administration deal with Warner Chappell Music for the late rock star’s catalog.

The agreement includes his Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers work in addition to his work as a solo artist, including enduring hits such as “Wildlflowers,” “Free Fallin’,” “Learning To Fly,” “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “The Waiting,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” “Runnin’ Down A Dream” and more.

“Tom Petty’s music is woven into the fabric of our lives, not just across America, but around the world. He captured the full range and resilience of the human spirit in songs about freedom and dreams, outcasts and rebels, relationships and heartbreak, the personal and the universal,” state Warner Chappell Co-Chair & CEO Guy Moot and Co-Chair & COO Carianne Marshall. “Tom’s unmistakable sound and lyrics remain as timeless and vital today as ever, and all of us at Warner Chappell Music are honored to be joining with his estate to help amplify his extraordinary legacy on a global scale. Their work in recent years has already laid an incredible foundation, and we’re very excited to be partnering with such an innovative and forward-thinking team.”

“This landmark new deal spans 40 years of Tom’s hugely influential and much-loved songs. The depth and breadth of his catalog is exceptional, including 15 top-10 albums and an incredible stream of rock classics. Tom was a born storyteller, and he turned life experiences, both good and bad, into songs of extraordinary power and emotion that continue to captivate millions of fans,” adds Warner Chappell SVP, A&R and Catalog Greg Sowders. “Tom Petty and his songs are one of the reasons I became a musician and publisher. The whole team is looking forward to partnering with his estate to ensure that his music not only endures but that its impact continues to grow for many years to come.”

“We’re looking forward to this new partnership with the team at Warner Chappell, as we expand the reach of Tom’s iconic song catalog. This partnership will open the door to new licensing opportunities and serve to introduce his music to a new generation across the globe,” shares the Tom Petty Estate. “We’re excited for this new chapter of growth, and the preservation of Tom’s legacy both at home and abroad. We look forward to working closely with Carianne, Greg, Guy and their incredible team.”

The signing announcement follows the release of the Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty tribute album via Big Machine Records in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate.

Liza Anderson
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