Original rugged softboi, and arguably one of the most prolific songwriters of our time, Bob Dylan, has sold his entire catalogue of 600 songs to Universal Music, making it one of the biggest music publishing deal in decades.

The deal will span 60 years, ranging from his most recognisable “Blowin’ in the Wind” and "Knockin' on Heavens Door" to this year’s “Murder Most Foul.”. While terms have not been disclosed, it is estimated that the deal is one of the most lucrative to ever be secured, with the New York Times reporting on that it was worth more than $300m.

The Nobel Prize winner for literature has sold over 125 million records worldwide in his career, with a body of work spanning over six decades. He has been consistently touring the world since 1988, performing over a hundred shows each year since. “To represent the body of work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time — whose cultural importance can’t be overstated — is both a privilege and a responsibility. The UMPG global team is honored to be Bob Dylan’s publishing partner." CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, Jody Gerson said in a statement. "We look forward to working with Bob and the team in ensuring his artistry continues to reach and inspire generations of fans, recording artists and songwriters around the world.” Gerson continued.

For us, the cultural significance of this is bound up in the musicians lyricism. The enduring nature of Dylans poetic songwriting has reigned significant for decades, for the simple nature of its purity, amassing universal understanding and solidarity. His lyrics continue to reverberate through the lives and generations of those who have been lucky enough to experience his genius in their lifetime, and will continue to do so long after we are all gone.

" It’s no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all great music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art.  Brilliant and moving, inspiring and beautiful, insightful and provocative, his songs are timeless—whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday.  It is no exaggeration to say that his vast body of work has captured the love and admiration of billions of people all around the world.  I have no doubt that decades, even centuries from now, the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played — and cherished — everywhere.” UMG chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge said in a statement.

Image: @bobdylan