Primary Wave Music has entered a partnership with nine-time GRAMMY winner Mary J. Blige covering her catalog of compositions and recordings. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The independent music publisher will work alongside Blige on songs from across her career.
What the deal covers
The catalog includes the following songs, among others:
- “My Life”
- “Mary Jane (All Night Long)”
- “Family Affair”
- “Be Happy”
- “Be Without You”
Blige and her team will have access to Primary Wave’s marketing and publishing infrastructure. The arrangement could involve close collaboration on new music marketing, branding, digital and sync (synchronization) opportunities.
The announcement did not specify whether Primary Wave has acquired an ownership stake in the rights.
Blige’s career credentials
Blige has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. She has won nine GRAMMY Awards from 37 nominations, along with 12 Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards and 12 NAACP Image Awards. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Recent Primary Wave partnerships
The agreement follows several other recent catalog deals for Primary Wave:
- Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe: his publishing and recorded music catalog
- Daniel Jones of Savage Garden: his songwriting catalog
- The estate of Wilson Pickett: a stake in the soul singer’s catalog and his name, image and likeness rights
Natalia Nastaskin, Chief Content Officer at Primary Wave, said:
“From the moment I heard ‘You Remind Me’ on NY’s KISS-FM, I became a Day 1 Mary J. Blige fan. For over 30 years, she has gifted the world with hit after undeniable hit and in the process has created the soundtrack of our lives. To partner with the Queen herself on her extraordinary catalog and her everlasting legacy is an honor for me and for our entire Primary Wave team.”
