Tuesday saw Primary Wave announce it has stepped in to handle the music and image rights tied to the late Robert Palmer. The arrangement concerns his recorded songs and his publishing catalog, though the announcement stopped short of saying whether Primary Wave acquired any of those holdings outright.
The Deal’s Terms
Sources say Palmer’s music assets were being shopped earlier this year, and Primary Wave typically partners with artists and songwriters after making an acquisition. The deal includes a stake in Palmer’s name, image and likeness, or NIL rights, according to the announcement. Palmer died from a heart attack in 2003.
Under the deal, Primary Wave’s marketing and publishing teams will partner with the estate to pursue new marketing, branding, digital and sync opportunities, along with film and TV projects.
What Palmer Built
Throughout his career, Palmer released a total of 14 studio albums and three live records, selling millions of albums worldwide since 1991. Luminate data puts his accumulated consumption units at nearly 2.09 million.
Three platinum album certificates from the Recording Industry Association of America sit behind his work: Riptide, Heavy Nova and Addictions: Volume 1. The British Phonographic Industry added its own honor, a BRIT platinum award, for that last record, in the United Kingdom.
The rules for platinum certification differ between the United States and the United Kingdom. The American standard requires 1 million consumption units to reach platinum status. Across the Atlantic, the British threshold sits at 300,000 units instead.
Twice Palmer claimed the Grammy for best male rock vocal performance, first in 1987 for “Addicted to Love”, then again in 1989 for “Simply Irresistible.”.
The Estate’s Statement
“We are very excited to partner with Primary Wave,” the Palmer estate said in a statement. “As we continue to honor Robert’s incredible legacy, we also look forward to working with the team on exploring ways to bring his music to both new and existing audiences, preserving his lasting impact for years to come.”
What Primary Wave Said
The Estate’s work has endured in listeners’ ears, and we are pleased to bring it into the Primary Wave family. We look forward to working alongside the Estate to both keep and expand his legacy through creative partnerships, new chances, and real ways to bring his music to fans across the globe.”Samantha Rhulen, Primary Wave’s senior vp of business & legal affairs, said in a statement. “
On Sept. 22, the arrangement was made public. Primary Wave had mentioned it earlier, back in May, in a blog post called “20th Anniversary of Culture, Catalogs & Legacy.”.
Key Facts Box
- Deal announced: Sept. 22
- Palmer died: 2003, from a heart attack
- Albums: 14 studio, 3 live
- Luminate consumption units: Nearly 2.09 million
- RIAA certifications: Three platinum (Riptide, Heavy Nova, Addictions: Volume 1)
- BPI certification: BRIT platinum for Addictions: Volume 1
- Grammys: Best male rock vocal performance (1987, 1989)
This time around, Primary Wave is stepping into the role of catalog manager rather than taking ownership. Palmer’s estate secures a partner whose focus lies with marketing and licensing, while Primary Wave acquires access to a catalog with demonstrated commercial staying power.
Palmer’s music stays available, and it now has a management team working with it.
Source material: “Robert Palmer Estate Partners With Primary Wave on Late Singer’s Music Catalog and NIL Rights,” Billboard.
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