Read update
- Tina Turner's Estate Doesn't Include Rights To Her Music Catalog
Fans still can’t believe Tina Turner sold her music rights for a reported $50 million. The news came in October 2021, with the BBC asserting that a deal was made by music publishing company BMG, which has acquired everything from Turner’s stage name, image, and likeness for merchandise and future sponsorship deals.
It’s a big deal for an artist of Turner’s caliber to give up such a major part of her career — and the conversation continued over on Twitter, with fans feeling divided on whether it was a smart move for the legendary singer to sell off her music rights.
UPDATE: 2023/05/24 12:25 EST BY LANE VASQUEZ
Tina Turner's Estate Doesn't Include Rights To Her Music Catalog
This article has been updated to reflect Tina Turner's passing at the age of 83 on May 24th, 2023. A few years prior to her death, Tina sold the rights to her music catalog, meaning whoever inherits her $250 million estate won't be entitled to earnings from her songs.
Tina Turner Sold Her Music Catalog In 2021
Turner had already retired from the industry and spent most of her time in a château out in Switzerland by the time she sold her catalog rights. In fact, the château is where she passed away at age 83.
The $50 million she reportedly pocketed undoubtedly ensured her a luxurious retirement plan over the years. In a statement, BMG boss Hartwig Masuch shared, "Tina Turner's musical journey has inspired hundreds of millions of people around the world and continues to reach new audiences.”
"We are honoured to take on the job of managing Tina Turner's musical and commercial interests. It is a responsibility we take seriously and will pursue diligently. She is truly and simply, the best.”
It was further mentioned that Turner’s iconic hits such as “What’s Love Got To Do With It” will reach an entirely new audience thanks to the completion of the deal. BMG plan to push Turner’s music to a younger demographic starting with social media platforms such as TikTok, Masuch continued.
What Happened To Tina Turner's Music After She Sold The Rights?
"Like any artist, the protection of my life's work, my musical inheritance, is something personal,” Turner said in her own statement. "I am confident that with BMG and Warner Music, my work is in professional and reliable hands.”
While Turner officially retired in 2009, she carried on touring every now and then while showing heavy support behind her Tina! The Tina Turner Musical, which grossed tens of millions at the box office over the years. The icon had already been played by Angela Bassett in a 1994 film, but clearly, fans were still invested in her life.
In a 2021 documentary, titled Tina, she reiterated her retirement, saying, "I’m going to America to say goodbye to my American fans and I’ll wrap it up. And I think this documentary and the play, this is it — it’s a closure."
Fans didn't forget about Tina after that though—and they clearly didn't forget about her music. Otherwise, why else would any company want to buy the rights? Tina is still streaming today, long after the deal was finalized.
Once the deal was complete, it's assumed Tina no longer earned cash from her music, with BBC noting, "The deals give superstar artists and writers a guaranteed windfall, while the new owners collect royalties every time the songs are streamed, sold or placed in movies."
That could mean her children will only benefit from Tina's current estate value of roughly $250 million.
