Miles Davis’ Catalog Acquired by Reservoir Media

Next year would have marked Miles Davis’ 100th birthday. In advance of the centennial, independent music rights company Reservoir Media has struck a deal with the Miles Davis estate to acquire 90 percent of Davis’ music publishing rights and the estate’s income from his catalog, according to The New York Times. Reservoir and the estate will share control of Davis’ name and likeness. Terms of the acquisition have not been made public, though the Times estimates Reservoir to have paid between $40 and $60 million.

Reservoir has also outlined plans for a celebration of Davis’ centennial in 2026. These include a previously announced biopic centered on Davis’ love affair with French singer Juliette Gréco—Mick Jagger is among the film’s producers—an international tour by the former Miles Electric Band, now known as M.E.B., and a four-night “Miles Davis Centennial Celebration” to take place at San Francisco’s SFJazz center this March.

Reservoir currently administers the publishing catalogs of Snoop Dog and Joni Mitchell, among others, as well as the rights to songs by Sheryl Crow, the Isley Brothers, Offset, and Sonny Rollins. In 2021, the company purchased hip-hop and electronic label Tommy Boy Music, which led to De La Soul’s full discography being made available on streaming for the first time. Sony Music has confirmed to Music Business Worldwide that it retains the recorded music rights to Davis’ albums released between 1955 and 1985.

“With Reservoir, there’s a real respect for Miles—his music, his style and his cultural impact. That means a lot to us” Davis’ nephew Vince Willburn Jr. shared on behalf of the estate in a press statement. “This partnership gives us the chance to elevate his legacy in new ways, and to ensure that his influence continues to inspire.”

Reservoir founder and CEO Golnar Khosrowshahi added:

Miles Davis is one of the most influential musicians of all time, and it is an incredible honor that his catalog has found a home at Reservoir. We are deeply grateful to the entire Miles Davis Estate–Cheryl, Erin, Vince, Darryl and Jeff–for entrusting us with this responsibility.” She added, “This moment is also a recognition of Reservoir’s proven commitment and capability to preserve legacies and reignite discovery of legendary artists on modern platforms, like streaming and social media. As we head into his centennial year, we look forward to showcasing Miles’ brilliance to new audiences, ensuring his music continues to be heard and celebrated worldwide.

Read the Sunday Review of Miles Davis’ 1974 album Get Up With It, and revisit Michael J. Agovino’s column “A Guide to 1980s Miles Davis.”