While jazz legend Miles Davis’ centennial approaches in 2026, Reservoir Media has positioned itself as the primary custodian of his musical legacy through a landmark acquisition deal. The New York-based music rights company secured 90% of Davis’ music publishing rights and a majority share of the estate’s income from his recordings in a transaction that closed in August. Industry experts estimate the deal’s value between $40 million and $60 million, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed.
The thorough acquisition extends beyond publishing to include rights connected to Davis’ recorded music and the estate’s name and likeness, though Sony Music retains some recorded music rights from Davis’ classic 1955-1985 albums. This strategic purchase aligns perfectly with Reservoir’s established acquisition pattern, as the company has consistently targeted deals in the $40-60 million range since its founding in 2007.
Reservoir’s investment in the Davis catalog reflects its confidence in the enduring value of historic jazz libraries and recorded music assets. The company, having spent approximately $876 million on mergers and acquisitions to date, allocated over $115 million to acquisitions and advances in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, demonstrating its aggressive catalog accumulation strategy. The company’s success is evident in its financial performance, posting $37.2 million in revenue for Q1 of fiscal 2026, marking an 8% year-over-year increase.
The deal positions Reservoir to collaborate with the Davis estate on leveraging his name and likeness for brand and marketing opportunities, particularly as the centennial of his birth approaches. The acquisition also enables Reservoir to collect and distribute performance royalties through various PROs whenever Davis’ compositions are publicly performed. This strategic acquisition represents a significant addition to Reservoir’s sync licensing portfolio, potentially generating substantial revenue through placements in TV shows, films, and commercials. This partnership model suggests a combined approach to managing both publishing and recording rights while expanding Davis’ influence across media platforms.
Within the broader context of music industry consolidation, Reservoir’s purchase of rights to one of jazz’s most influential figures highlights the ongoing trend of independent companies acquiring major music assets. The transaction not only elevates Reservoir’s market profile among music rights companies but also guarantees Davis’ artistic legacy remains under careful stewardship while generating substantial licensing, streaming, and synchronization income for years to come. The acquisition includes an impressive catalog of over 60 albums that showcase Davis’ pioneering jazz innovations across several decades.
