Primary Wave Acquires The Cars’ Artist Royalties

Independent music publisher Primary Wave has announced a partnership with The Cars.

The deal:

- Primary Wave has acquired the Grammy-nominated band’s artist royalties.

- The deal includes hits such as “Just What I Needed,” “You Might Think,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Drive,” and others.

- No terms of the deal have been announced.

- It comes less than a year after Primary Wave partnered with the Estate of frontman Ric Ocasek on his music publishing catalog, including all songs from his time with The Cars.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees:

- The Cars formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1976, fashioning a sound that combined elements of new wave, rock and pop.

- 1978’s self-titled debut album contained the hits “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “Good Times Roll.”

- 1984’s Heartbeat City marked their commercial peak, containing “Drive,”, “You Might Think,” and “Magic.”

- They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

- Ocasek passed away in 2019, aged 75.

What they said:

- Samantha Rhulen, Primary Wave’s SVP of Business and Legal Affairs: “Together with last year’s partnership for Ric Ocasek’s publishing, Primary Wave is uniquely positioned to preserve and honor the legacy of The Cars. Their music has left a lasting imprint on culture and continues to inspire fans and musicians around the world. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with this partnership.”