Kobalt signs Chris Blackwell’s Blue Mountain Music for Bob Marley catalogue

PRESS RELEASE:

Kobalt, the leading independent music publishing and global music rights management services company, announced today they have signed a global administration agreement with Blue Mountain Music Ltd which includes the complete works of Bob Marley. Kobalt Music Publishing will administer and provide publishing services and synch licensing services worldwide to Blue Mountain’s established catalog and growing publishing roster. Blue Mountain Music maintains offices in London and New York from which it will continue to sign and foster new talent and oversee its business interests.

Blue Mountain Music, a widely respected and well-known independent music publishing company, was founded in 1962 by legendary Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. In addition to Bob Marley, the company houses the works of many elite and accomplished artists such as U2 (back-catalog), Free, Toots and the Maytals and John Martyn, as well as newer priority signings such as Chronixx, John Grant, Dexter Tortoriello (Dawn Golden/Houses), among others.

Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt said, “This is a monumental deal for Kobalt and for me personally. We are humbled and excited to partner with Chris Blackwell and Blue Mountain to work with their diverse catalog of hits and timeless songs, including Bob Marley and U2, both whose influence on music and the world is immeasurable. I’ve always admired Chris’ entrepreneurial spirit, his unique gift for identifying exceptional talent, and of course his great love for Jazz!”

Chris Blackwell, Blue Mountain’s founder, said of the deal, “I am thrilled to have Blue Mountain Music partner with Kobalt whom I believe are the future of the music publishing business. Their entrepreneurial leadership, together with their investment in and dedication to technology, is allowing for seamless and transparent collection and is making a huge difference to songwriters around the world.”