Iconoclast, an artist and brand development company, said Tuesday (March 19) that it has acquired legendary Great American Songbook singer Tony Bennett's catalog and the rights to his name and likeness.
Sony Music, however, said it still owns Tony Bennett's catalog. A representative for Iconoclast could not immediately be reached for comment.
The vocal titan known for his renditions of “Because of You” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” has dedicated his nearly seven-decade career to the canon of American jazz classics, show tunes and popular songs from the first half of the century. which are known as the Great American Songbook. Bennett, who died last July, became a bridge late in life between classical and contemporary pop music through concerts and recordings with Amy Winehouse, Elvis Costello, kd lang and others.
Founder of iconoclasm Olivier Chastanalong with his son and manager Bennett Danny Bennettsaid the company has secured several Tony Bennett-branded projects, including a New York restaurant, a watch line with American luxury watch company Bulova and a Paramount+ documentary titled The Lady and the Legendabout Bennett's frequent collaborations with Lady Gaga.
“We all walk in the footsteps of giants. Tony was one of those giants,” Chastan said in a statement. “In addition to his extraordinary talent that radiated for more than 60 years, Tony's legacy is one of character, integrity, kindness and courage. We are truly honored to be the custodians of this incredible and historic legend.”
Danny Bennett said he expected the deal would ensure his father's works “endure for future generations”.
“In working with Tony for more than 40 years, my philosophy has always been that I didn't manage a career but, rather, I managed a legacy,” said Danny Bennett. “The Iconoclast … will continue this tradition.”
Chastan founded Iconoclast in 2021, having previously led Irving Azoff's Iconic Artists Group. The company owns rights to works by artists including The Band musician Robbie Robertson, Marianne Faithfull and David Cassidy.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Iconoclast was represented by Sam Roseme and Peter Paterno of King, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano, and Tony Bennett was represented by Don Friedman of Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks.
3:53 p.m. EST: This story has been updated to reflect that Sony Music disputed what rights Iconoclast bought, including whether it bought the Bennett catalog. An Iconoclast representative could not be reached for comment. This story will be updated further.
