"I have always been a great fan of this amazing catalogue," said Sony/ATV Music Publishing chairman and CEO Martin N. Bandier. "These songs can only be described as gems that help define American music. I am looking forward to exploring ways to introduce them to a whole new generation and to working with Jerry and Mike, who are two of the most prolific and successful songwriters of all time."
Sony/ATV Music Publishing — which is co-owned by Sony and trusts formed by Michael Jackson — now owns such hits as "Stand By Me," "Poison Ivy," "Love Potion #9" and such Elvis Presley signature tunes as "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock."
"I am delighted that we were able to acquire the Leiber-Stoller catalogue," said Michael Jackson in the announcement. "The songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller have defined an era, and the artists who have recorded their work reads like a who's who of rock and roll."
The duo, who have collaborated for more than 50 years, have already been inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, the Record Producers' Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and share a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Leiber is quoted as saying, "I am pleased to join Sony/ATV Music Publishing's extensive roster of great composers, including Lennon and McCartney, Roy Orbison, and Hank Williams." "As an innovative and independent music publishing company, Sony/ATV provides the perfect home for our work," added Stoller. "I am confident that the team at Sony/ATV will give the necessary focus and attention to our songs, creating fresh and innovative ways to promote our work."
Among the other songs featured in the Leiber and Stoller catalogue include "Yakety Yak," "Love Me," "Santa Claus Is Back In Town," "I'm A Woman," "I Keep Forgettin'," "Don't," "Spanish Harlem," "Loving You," "Searchin'," "Charlie Brown," "Ruby Baby," "I (Who Have Nothing)," "Trouble," "There Goes My Baby," "Dance With Me," "(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care," "You're The Boss," "Saved," "Pearl's A Singer," "Smokey Joe's Café," "King Creole," "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots (L'Homme a la Moto)," "Bossa Nova Baby," "Down Home Girl" and "Drip Drop."
