TERMS OF THE DEAL WILL SEE THE PUBLISHER PARTNER ON THE LEGENDARY SINGER-SONGWRITER’S MUSIC PUBLISHING CATALOG, AS WELL AS RECORDING COPYRIGHTS AND ARTIST ROYALTIES
SONGS INCLUDE “MR. BOJANGLES,” “SANGRIA WINE,”
“RAILROAD LADY,” AND OTHERS
“There are songwriters, and then, there are storytellers. Jerry Jeff Walker was firmly in the latter category.”
– American Songwriter
New York, NY (October 25, 2024) – Primary Wave Music, the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world, have announced today their exciting partnership with the estate of the legendary country and folk singer-songwriter, Jerry Jeff Walker. Terms of the deal will see the publishing giant partner with the estate on Walker’s music publishing catalog, as well as his recording copyrights and artist royalties. This new relationship will also provide access to the estate to Primary Wave’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, working closely on new marketing, branding, digital, and synch opportunities, as well as film & television projects.
Included in the deal are some of Jerry Jeff’s biggest hits across his incredible 50+ decades in music such as “Mr. Bojangles,” “Sangria Wine,” “Railroad Lady,” “Trashy Women,” and more. Probably his most well-known song, “Mr. Bojangles” was released in 1968 and went on to become an American pop standard. Speaking to American Songwriter in the late 80s Walker said the song “broke all the rules.” It garnered Walker a Grammy nominated for “Best Country Vocal Performance (Male)” and would go on to be covered by a number of notable artists including Bob Dylan, Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, and Sammy Davis, Jr. who built it into the centerpiece of his live performances for two decades. Nitty Gritty Band also covered the track and released their version in 1970. It landed on the Top 10 of Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1971. Walker was sometimes referred to as the “Jimmy Buffett of Texas”, which tracks because he wrote with Buffett on occasion including “Railroad Lady.” The song pays homage to a stranger the pair met on a train returning from a gig. She’d taken care of them, so they returned the favor by writing this song. Buffett was also an influence on Jerry Jeff’s classic sing along song, “Sangria Wine.” The tune was born a night the pair and some friends decided to make some sangria wine. It went on to become a fan favorite and a staple at his live shows.
The deal also includes an agreement for Jerry Jeff Walker’s recorded masters, in partnership with his label Tried & True Music, to be released and distributed through the legendary Sun Records. For future releases, Sun Records will provide overall catalog marketing strategy including streaming, social media marketing and physical releases.
Of the partnership, Susan Walker, Jerry Jeff’s wife and longtime manager, said “When JJ passed, Jimmy Buffett was first at my door asking what he could do. ‘Help me find the perfect home for JJ’s catalogue and label,’ I asked. And he did. May both their words and songs be remembered and cherished forever. Bubbles up!”
Samantha Rhulen, SVP of Business and Legal Affairs added, “A friend of mine had one final wish before he passed away – a big party with his favorite artist, Jerry Jeff Walker, performing live. He got his wish. I will always remember that night and what Jerry Jeff’s music did for him and all of our friends. Primary Wave is honored to partner with the Walker family and will ensure that Jerry Jeff is remembered for the impact his music has made on so many people.”