Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.news From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Elton John team signs $39 million contract Date: Fri, 6 Nov 92 11:28:29 EST Message-ID: \SE A;TOP OF THE NEWS;NATION \HD Elton John team signs $39 million contract \BY FROM WIRE DISPATCHES AND STAFF REPORTS \DT LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES - Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, the songwriting team responsible for such hits as "Sad Songs" and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," signed a publishing contract worth about $39 million yesterday. Warner-Chappell Music, the world's largest music publishing firm, with 900,000 songs, obtained the rights to the British duo's post-1974 catalogue, plus songs from Mr. John's next six albums. "They are the contemporary Rodgers and Hammerstein," said Les Bider, chairman and chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based Warner-Chappell. The estimated $39 million, 12-year agreement included the largest cash advance in music publishing history, he said, although the amount wasn't disclosed. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM