NEW YORK, November 17, 2009, – Primary Wave Music Publishing & Marketing, one of the largest music publishers in the United States, today announced it has formed a strategic partnership with legendary Contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman. Under the terms of the deal, Primary Wave, purchased Mr. Chapman’s publishing interest and administration rights for his catalog of songs including influential songs such as “I Will Be Here”, “Cinderella”, “Speechless”, “Dive”, and “For The Sake Of The Call”, among many others. Primary Wave has also entered into a co-publishing arrangement on Mr. Chapman’s future songs and will help market the icon’s name and likeness.
After starting his career in the late 1980s as a songwriter, Chapman has turned into one of the most prolific singers in the Contemporary Christian genre, releasing 17 albums to date. Chapman has also won five Grammy awards and 56 Gospel Music Association awards, more than any other artist in history. His seven “Artist of the Year” Dove Awards, his latest in 2009, are also an industry record. Mr. Chapman has sold more than 11 million albums and has 10 RIAA-certified Gold or Platinum albums and has had 45 #1 Christian radio hits.
“Steven is one of the greatest songwriters in music today,” commented Primary Wave CEO Larry Mestel. “We are thrilled to be working with Steven and his team. Together, we hope to enhance the legacy of this amazing artist.”
Commented Mr. Chapman, I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Primary Wave family. I am confident that Primary Wave is the best partner to expose my catalog of songs to a wider popular culture audience.” I am very excited to expand the reach and influence of my songs.”