The Tom Petty Estate Signs Worldwide Administration Deal with Warner Chappell Music

Photo Credit: Tom Petty by Mark Seliger

Warner Chappell Music announces an administration deal with the Tom Petty Estate, including the majority of songs written by Petty during his life.The estate of Tom Petty and Warner Chappell Music have announced the signing of a new worldwide administration deal for the late rock icon’s celebrated music catalog. The agreement includes the vast majority of works written by Petty throughout his lifetime, including his work with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist.

During his 40-year career, Tom Petty recorded over 13 albums with the Heartbreakers and three solo albums. He was also a member of the supergroup, the Traveling Wilburys, and the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch. The new deal includes hits written by Petty such as “Wildflowers,” “Free Fallin’,” “Learning to Fly,” “Refugee,” “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” and many more.

“We’re looking forward to this new partnership with the team at Warner Chappell, as we expand the reach of Tom’s iconic song catalog. This partnership will open the door to new licensing opportunities and serve to introduce his music to a new generation across the globe,” shares the Petty Estate. “We’re excited for this new chapter of growth, and the preservation of Tom’s legacy both at home and abroad.”“Tom Petty’s music is woven into the fabric of our lives, not just across America, but around the world,” said WCM co-chair and COO Carianne Marshall and co-chair and CEO Guy Moot in a joint statement. “Tom’s unmistakable sound and lyrics remain as timeless and vital today as ever, and all of us at Warner Chappell Music are honored to be joining with his estate to help amplify his extraordinary legacy on a global scale. Their work in recent years has already laid an incredible foundation, and we’re very excited to be partnering with such an innovative and forward-thinking team.”

Tom Petty was both a Songwriters Hall of Fame and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He died in 2017 of an accidental drug overdose just a week after completing the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour, at age 66.