Bing Crosby's heirs sell stake in estate to boost his work
ABC News
It's not just old rock stars benefiting from the current trend of artists selling off rights to their work
NEW YORK -- Harry Crosby was 19 when his father, Bing, died in 1977. But when he goes to a shopping mall or party in December, there's a strong chance he'll hear his dad's voice singing “White Christmas.”
He and his family want to hear that voice more during the other 11 months, a desire that led to a deal being announced Monday to sell an equal stake in the rights to Bing Crosby's estate to Primary Wave Music.
It's another example of how the sale of catalog rights has become a booming business, with most involving rock artists who write their own music — Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Neil Young and Stevie Nicks are examples. The Crosby deal is the most prominent involving a pre-rock artist who primarily interpreted songs written by others.
The deal is estimated in excess of $50 million.
