Reservoir Acquires Miles Davis Publishing Catalog

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Reservoir Media has acquired 90% of Miles Davis’s publishing rights and the estate’s income from his catalog in a deal valued between $40–$60 million. Finalized in August 2025, the agreement positions Reservoir and the Davis Estate as joint managers of the jazz icon’s name and likeness.

Already home to catalogs from artists like Snoop Dogg and Joni Mitchell, Reservoir says the acquisition reflects its mission to preserve and revive legendary legacies. Sony Music will continue to control the recorded rights to Davis’s albums from 1955 to 1985.

Vince Wilburn Jr., Davis’s nephew, praised the partnership:

“With Reservoir, there’s a real respect for Miles—his music, his style, and his cultural impact. This partnership gives us the chance to elevate his legacy in new ways.”

Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir’s CEO, called Davis “one of the most influential musicians of all time,” noting the company’s commitment to reigniting discovery of his work ahead of his centennial in 2026.

To mark the milestone, Reservoir and the estate are planning a biopic (Miles & Juliette), a global symphonic show, and a world tour by the Miles Electric Band (M.E.B.), capped by a four-night centennial celebration at SFJazz.

This acquisition ensures Davis’s genius isn’t just preserved—it’s reintroduced to new generations through film, live events, and digital platforms, keeping his influence alive for decades to come.