Canadian singer-songwriter Corey Hart sells publishing catalog to peermusic

That deal, signed in 2019, marked the first time that Hart agreed to a global publishing deal that included Canada.

“In 2018, I met with several prominent LA music companies but ultimately signed with peermusic because it was clear to me that their hands-on, integrity driven leadership style epitomized the business values I had always been looking for in an international music publishing company,” Hart said in a statement on Thursday (March 23).

The acquisition, announced by peermusic Anglo American Region President Kathy Spanberger and peermusic Canada’s Managing Director Neville Quinlan, will see peermusic acquire the publishing copyrights for Hart’s entire catalog, which consists of over 200 songs including his iconic hits “Sunglasses at Night” and “Never Surrender.”

Peermusic will now represent Hart for neighbouring rights through its peermusic neighbouring rights division.

“Corey Hart is an industry icon whose songwriting and recordings have helped shape the sound of a generation,” said Spanberger.

“peermusic is thrilled to provide a home to his impressive collection of work and looks forward to continuing our wonderful partnership.”

Hart was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the 2019 JUNO Awards. He has sold over 16 million records worldwide and made nine US Billboard Top 40 Hits. His songs scored 32 top 40 singles in Canada, including 12 Top10 Hits.

The artist is a Grammy nominee and an ASCAP, JUNO and multiple Quebec ADISQ award winner. He has over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Hart started his music career when he recorded with Paul Anka at the age of 11. In 1981, he caught the ear of Billy Joel’s saxophone player, who invited him to record with core members of the Billy Joel Band. Two years later, Hart released his debut album First Offense, featuring the hit “Sunglasses at Night”.

Hart’s sophomore LP Boy In The Box produced four hit singles including the classic hit “Never Surrender,” which spent nine weeks at number 1 in Canada. It won Single of the Year at the 1985 JUNO Awards.

The artist took a break from recording and touring in 1999 to focus on his family, although he was still able to write and produce several songs for fellow Canadian superstar, Celine Dion.

Hart and Sire Records President Seymour Stein launched a joint label venture called Siena Records with warner Music Canada in 2003, and in 2014, Hart made a comeback at a sold out Montreal Bell Centre Arena.

In 2019, Hart recorded a five-song studio EP, Dreaming Time Again, produced by Bob Ezrin and went on a major arena tour across Canada.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this next chapter with Corey Hart,” peermusic’s Quinlan said.

“He is an extremely talented artist and songwriter, and we’re honoured that he is entrusting us with his catalogue. This was the logical next step in our relationship, and we’re excited to continue championing his incredible work.”

Commenting on the sale, Hart added: “I’m delighted this acquisition deal will further serve to strengthen my existing partnership with peermusic.”

“Under Kathy Spanberger’s stewardship my music repertoire will be honorably curated and managed for decades to come.”

“Peermusic has assembled a dedicated and talented creative team worldwide and I’m particularly excited that the ‘lesser’ known Corey Hart songs will finally have an opportunity to shine,” Hart added.

Hart was represented in the deal with peermusic by John Frankeheimer from Loeb & Loeb LLP.

The acquisition of Hart’s catalog marks peermusic’s latest investment after buying Canada-based Premier Muzik, France-based All Right Music and Netherlands-based Global Master Rights in October 2020 to form a new neighbouring rights company.

Peermusic has global publishing and administration deals with the likes of Jason Aldean collaborator Michael Dulaney, Ostereo Publishing, multi-platinum songwriter/producer Poo Bear and Nashville singer songwriter Michael Tyler.