James Brown’s Estate Sells for Over £68million

After a 15-year legal battle, publishing and management company Primary Wave bought James Brown’s estate for £68million.

Since Brown died in 2006, there has been an ongoing legal dispute over the late singer’s assets. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, the battle finally came to a conclusion in July. Although at the time, neither party had revealed any additional details about the deal. However, on Monday (December 13th), Rolling Stone revealed the estate sold for a huge £68million ($90million). 

Tommie Rae Hynie’s involvement complicated the sale, as she claimed to be Brown’s wife. However, later South Carolina courts determined that she was married to another man when she and Brown wed. Therefore, Hynie was not the late singer’s legal wife and had no control of the estate.

James Brown © Neale Haynes

The estate’s sale includes the entirety of the ‘I Feel Good’ singer’s publishing, master income stream, name and likeness rights. Primary Wave Music, a firm specialising in marketing, song catalogues and estates, also owns a stake in Whitney Houston’s estate and most of Prince’s.

Russell Bauknight, the James Brown Estate and Trust fiduciary, said in a statement, “The James Brown Estate and related Trust are very proud and excited to work with Larry Mestel and Primary Wave. We believe that our choice of professionals to take the James Brown Legacy to the next level is going to prove to be one of the most successful events in Mr Brown’s long history in show business.”

In response, Larry Mestel, who is the founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music said, “I am awed that Primary Wave has been chosen by the estate of James to partner with the Godfather of Soul. We are thrilled to help continue the expansion of his influence and further his legacy through both his music and The James Brown 2000 Trust.”