Wise Music Group acquires iconic Zombies songs in deal with Bocu Group

Wise Music Group acquires iconic Zombies songs in deal with Bocu Group

Wise Music Group has announced the purchase of the Marquis, Verulam, and Mistletoe Melodies music publishing companies from The Bocu Group. In doing so it has acquired the music publishing rights in the hits of legendary rock band The Zombies together with many other well-known writers.

Song titles include Rod Argent’s 1964 British and American hit "She's Not There" as well as "Tell Her No", "Care of Cell 44" and "Time of the Season" from the 1968 album Odessey and Oracle – the latter was sampled by Eminem in his 2013 song “Rhyme or Reason. The deal also contains Chris White’s "This Will Be Our Year", notably covered by The Beautiful South, Foo Fighters and Vanessa Paradis, Argent and White’s "Hold Your Head Up", and Russ Ballard’s "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" – famously covered by American hard rock band Kiss with modified lyrics – the track being released as a single in 1991 from the soundtrack to Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey.

Further song rights comprise titles from Colin Blunstone’s solo albums such as One Year, Ennismore and On the Air Tonight, plus "A Blossom Fell" by Howard Barnes, Harold Cornelius, and Dominic John, most notably recorded by Nat King Cole on Capitol Records, reaching No 2 in the US charts, and subsequently recorded by Patti Page, Tony Bennett and Diana Krall. Terry Thompson’s "A Shot of Rhythm and Blues”, is also included. The song was originally recorded by US soul singer Arthur Alexander, then covered by The Beatles, Cilla Black, and many others.

The companies’ rights also encompass titles by Duffy Power, who was originally discovered by famous impresario and English pop manager Larry Parnes. Power penned "I’m So Glad You’re Mine", "Mary Open the Door" and "If I Get Lucky". He also wrote with Alexis Korner ("Long Black Train"). Further songs include Edwin Astley’s music for the TV series The Saint and Danger Man; jazz pianist-vocalist Mose Allison’s "Parchman Farm", and Graham Bond’s "Spanish Blues".

The Bocu Group Managing Director Carole Broughton said: “I’m delighted to have concluded a deal with Wise Music. I know that the team there will do a great job and I look forward to being a part of the transition process with this family-owned company.”

Wise Music Group’s Director of Global Rights Development Chris Butler responded: “It has been a pleasure working with Carole on this deal which continues our growth and development as one of the world’s leading independent music publishers. These are wonderful songs and we are thrilled to have added them to our global catalogue.”

 

Image: Odessey and Oracle album cover, The Zombies (1968, CBS Records)