Music Sales acquires worldwide publishing rights to Vernon Duke catalog
13th september 2017
Music Sales Corporation, Inc. announces it has acquired the worldwide publishing rights to Vernon Duke’s catalog, including the Great American Songbook gems “April in Paris”, “Autumn In New York”, and “Taking a Chance on Love” - the latter from the Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky (1940).
Known for his integral contributions to the Great American Songbook, Vernon Duke was also a highly respected classical composer - composing for both orchestra and ballet under his birth name, Vladimir Dukelsky. The Russian-born composer collaborated with many musical luminaries including George and Ira Gershwin, George Balanchine, Sergei Prokofiev and Serge Koussevitzky.
“We’re very honored to have the opportunity to bring the two worlds of Vernon Duke together under one roof,” said G. Schirmer/AMP/Music Sales President Robert Thompson. “Duke’s contribution to the Great American Songbook is legendary, and the depth of his compositional output … from popular songs, musicals, orchestral works and ballets … is remarkable. I’d like to particularly thank Kay Duke Ingalls, widow of Vernon Duke, for her invaluable guidance and expertise.”
Hear Billie Holiday performing Vernon Duke's "Autumn in New York" below.