One of the greatest songwriters of all time, Bob Dylan , sold his catalog of compositions to Universal Music for a staggering sum of approximately $300 million.
The information comes via the New York Times , which states that, as a result of the deal, the record label owns the rights to more than 600 songs spanning six different decades, including classics such as "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are A-Changing," "Like a Rolling Stone," and also Dylan's most recent album, the celebrated Rough and Rough Ways .
“It’s no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all good music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the greatest practitioners of that art,” said Lucian Grainge , CEO of Universal Music Group, in a statement announcing the deal.
“Representing the body of work of one of the greatest composers of all time – whose cultural importance cannot be overstated – is both a privilege and a responsibility,” adds Jody Gerson , chief executive officer of Universal's publishing division.
Recently, Dylan and Rough and Rough Ways earned a coveted spot on best-of-the-year lists compiled by renowned publications such as Rolling Stone and The Guardian . Listen to the album below:
