New York (Top40 Charts/ Chrysalis
Music Group USA) - Chrysalis
Music Group USA is pleased to announce that it has finalized an agreement to purchase the hit-laden catalogue of renowned writer/artist Richard Marx. The acquisition is a significant addition to the company's song portfolio.
Marx has been an internationally known singer/songwriter/producer for over 20 years. In addition to selling over 30 million records as a recording artist, Richard has written and produced mega-hits for other artists as diverse as Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, NSYNC, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers and Keith Urban. His 2004 collaboration with the late Luther Vandross resulted in a Song of the Year Grammy Award for their hit, "Dance With My Father."
A pop radio staple from the late '80s through the '90s, Richard has written 37 Top 30 chart hits, including an astounding 13 No 1s. Among those are his own hits as an artist, "Hold On to the Nights," "Satisfied" and the classic "Right Here Waiting." As recently as early 2008, his song "Everybody," written with and performed by Keith Urban, made the Country Singles Top 5. As he continues to tour throughout the world, Richard plans to release three new albums this year, including Duo, a collaboration with Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannell.
"Chrysalis has been a longtime presence in my life, ever since buying my first Pat Benatar album as a teenager," said Marx. "Through their ups and downs, they still continue to strive for that which is exceptional, a methodology to which I feel a strong kinship. I look forward to a creatively exciting and fruitful relationship with them."
Said Chrysalis Plc Chairman Chris Wright: "I'm absolutely delighted that we've been able to come to terms with Richard and his advisors to take over the representation of this fabulous catalogue of great songs written by one of the world's outstanding songwriters. I've been familiar with Richard's career from the time of his enormous success in the late 1980s. The songs he wrote in that period are timeless and the fact that he has continued to write great songs ever since speaks volumes for his creative ability. Everyone at Chrysalis looks forward to being associated with both the songs and Richard for many years to come.
"It is well known that for some months now we have been seeking to make acquisitions of top quality rights, and we have considered several opportunities before eventually deciding that this was the one catalogue we all felt exhilarated by the opportunity to be associated with."
Commented Chrysalis Music Group USA President Kenny MacPherson, who initiated the deal: "Richard is a master of songcraft and a one-of-a-kind artist who has proved himself time and time again from both the artistic and commercial standpoints. The addition of his music to the Chrysalis catalogue exemplifies our commitment to quality across all genres of music. This is a big moment for us, and we're delighted to welcome Richard into the Chrysalis family."
