Primary Wave Music has struck a “multi-million-dollar” deal with Academy Award-winning songwriter Tom Whitlock, which the publisher says, “brings all of Whitlock’s music publishing interests” to the company
Included in the deal, according to Primary Wave, are earnings from the Top Gun hit Danger Zone, which also features in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, as well as earnings from the hit Take My Breath Away.
Other hits included in the deal include Meet Me Halfway, Hand In Hand and Wings To Fly.
Danger Zone was the first song written for Top Gun film, and was co-written alongside Giorgio Moroder and performed by Kenny Loggins.
Take My Breath Away was also co-written with Giorgio Moroder, and was performed by the band Berlin.
Upon its release, Take My Breath Away went to No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and later won both an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Whitlock and Moroder further collaborated on music for films including Over the Top, American Anthem, and Rambo III.
The duo also wrote the official theme songs for the 1988 Summer Olympics (Hand in Hand) and the 1990 FIFA World Cup (To Be Number One).
The deal with Whitlock is the latest in a series of recent deals for Primary Wave.
Earlier this month (June), the company acquired a stake in the music publishing catalog of Julian Casablancas, lead singer of rock band The Strokes.
In May, Primary Wave bought Bob Dylan’s share of supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, while in March, the company acquired all rights of Regent Music Corporation and Jewel Music Publishing Co., Inc., the publishing catalogs founded by music publishing legends Gene Goodman and his late brother, Harry.
“I’m thrilled that my songs are continuing to find new audiences.”
Tom Whitlock
Tom Whitlock, said: “I’m thrilled that my songs are continuing to find new audiences and pleased that my catalog will now be in the hands of a company like Primary Wave who will continue to care for my music and keep my legacy alive moving forward in time.
“We are excited to acquire the legendary catalog of renowned songwriter Tom Whitlock.”
Justin Shukat, Primary Wave Music
Justin Shukat, President of Primary Wave Music, added: “We are excited to acquire the legendary catalog of renowned songwriter Tom Whitlock.
“He goes on, “His classic song ‘Danger Zone’ proves that legendary songs will stand the test of time as it has found new audiences upon the release of Top Gun: Maverick. 30 years later, the song is once again climbing the charts showing the staying power of a truly iconic piece of music.”Music Business Worldwide
