Primary Wave Music has announced news of its latest acquisition. The company announced on Friday (October 25) that it has reached an agreement with the estate of legendary country and folk singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker.
Under the terms of the deal, the publishing company will work with Walker’s music publishing catalog and his estate of recording rights and artist royalties, according to a press release.
Included in the deal are some of Jerry Jeff’s biggest hits from his more than 50-year music career, such as Mr. Bojangles, Sangria, railway lady, trash woman,etc.
The agreement also includes a mastering deal with Jerry Jeff Walker on his label Tried & True Music, which will be released and distributed through legendary Sun Records.
For future releases, Sun Records will provide a total catalog marketing strategy, including streaming, social media marketing and physical distribution.
Primary Wave added that the new relationship will also provide access to the company’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure to work closely on new marketing, branding, digital and sync opportunities, as well as film and TV projects.
Probably his most famous song Mr. Bojangles Primary Wave noted that the song was released in 1968 and later became an “American pop standard.”
Walker said in an interview with American Songwriter in the late 1980s that the song “broke all the rules.”
It was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Country Vocal Performance (Male Vocal)” and has been covered by many famous artists, including Bob Dylan, Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Sammy Davis Jr.
The Nitty Gritty Band also covered the song and released their version in 1970.
Primary Wave notes that Walker “is sometimes called the ‘Jimmy Buffett of Texas.’ He sometimes writes letters with Buffett, including railway lady.
Buffett also had an influence on Jerry Jeff’s classic Sangria.
Susan Walker, Jerry Jeff’s wife and longtime manager, said of the partnership: “When Jerry Jeff passed away, Jimmy Buffett was the first person to come to my door and ask what he could do. “Help me find the perfect home for JJ’s catalog and labels,” I asked.
“He did. May their words and songs be remembered and cherished forever. Bubbling!
“Primary Wave is honored to partner with the Walker family and will ensure Jerry Jeff is remembered for the impact his music had on so many people.”
Samantha Lullen, Junior Wave
Samantha Rhulen, senior vice president of business and legal affairs, added: “A friend of mine had one last wish before he passed away – to have a meeting with his favorite artist, Jerry Jeff Walker. Jeff Walker threw a big party and performed live.
“I will always remember that night and what Jerry Jeff’s music did for him and all of our friends. Primary Wave is honored to partner with the Walker family and will ensure that Jerry Jeff’s music has a special impact on many people.” will be remembered for its influence.
Primary Wave’s other recent deals include a “multimillion-dollar” partnership with the estate of Ric Ocasek, frontman of ’80s new wave band The Cars, perhaps best known for their 1984 hit drive.
Just in the past year, Primary Wave has acquired the following catalogues: Nuno Bettencourt 90s rock band extreme;Signs publishing partnership with alternative rock band spin doctor; and signed a music copyright agreement with Neil Finn of crowded house.
The company also struck a deal for recording, publishing, branding, name and likeness rights. villagers of YMCA Reputation; directory of property of songwriters and musicians PF Sloan;and a stake in the singer/songwriter catalog Neil Sedaka.
Primary Wave’s acquisition spree was driven by $2 billion partnership with Brookfield Asset Management In 2022, the company acquired a minority stake in the New York-based music publisher, which is owned by Larry Mestel.global music business
