Kenny Chesney Sells 80% Of His Music Catalog

Kenny Chesney has sold 80 % of his music catalog for an undisclosed amount to British investment company Hipgnosis Song Management.

According to a press release, Hipgnosis now owns his stake in songs dating from 1994 debut album In My Wildest Dreams to 2017 release Live In No Shoes Nation, Chesney's last release before signing with Warner Music Nashville. The deal includes 22 albums, plus rights to future greatest hits, live albums, and acoustic releases.

Kenny said in the release, "To know that this music has a home that views the work as a collective body, something that builds on itself and captures the heart of No Shoes Nation, was important to me. How these songs live going forward is critical, and I believe Merck [Mercuriadis, Hipgnosis founder] has the best interests of not just the recordings but the people who love them as his driving interest." Mercuriadis is an industry power player who has managed Beyonce, Elton John and Iron Maiden, among others.

He added, "For the people who love these songs and albums, this is a scenario that allows the music to grow and reflect who those of us living inside these songs truly are."