Anthem Music Publishing has acquired the song catalog of the late country singer-songwriter Marty Robbins.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition covers Robbins’ hits from a career that spanned the late 1940s through the early 1980s, including more than 500 songs released across 72 albums.
The catalog includes Big Iron, which climbed to No. 5 on the US Country chart in 1960 and peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was featured in the 2010 video game Fallout: New Vegas. The Western Writers of America ranked it 11th among Western songs of all time.
El Paso, which was released via Columbia Records in 1959, is also part of the Anthem acquisition. The song reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Country charts, and earned Robbins a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961. Artists including Keith Urban and the Grateful Dead have covered El Paso, with the latter performing it live more than 380 times.
“Marty Robbins was a towering figure in American music – an artist whose storytelling transcended genre and era.”
Jason Klein, Anthem Music Group
Robbins, who died in 1982, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Another track from the catalog, My Woman, My Woman, My Wife, topped the US Country chart and reached No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Robbins his second Grammy in 1970.
Jason Klein, CEO of Anthem Music Group, said: “Marty Robbins was a towering figure in American music – an artist whose storytelling transcended genre and era. His songs are woven into the fabric of country and western music heritage, and continue to influence artists and resonate with fans to this day.”
“We’re confident that Anthem will not only preserve Marty’s legacy, but elevate it – introducing his work to new audiences while honoring the timeless spirit of the originals.”
Marty Robbins Estate
The Marty Robbins Estate added: “We’re honored to see Marty’s music find a new home with Anthem Music Publishing. His songs have stood the test of time, captivating generations with their vivid storytelling and emotional depth. We’re confident that Anthem will not only preserve Marty’s legacy, but elevate it – introducing his work to new audiences while honoring the timeless spirit of the originals.”
“Marty’s music has always belonged to the people, and we believe Anthem shares that same dedication to keeping it alive for generations to come.”
In addition to being a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, Robbins is also a NASCAR driver. The Academy of Country Music named Robbins its first Artist of the Decade for the 1960s.
For Anthem Music Publishing, the Robbins catalog further expands its portfolio of music rights. The company operates as the publishing arm of the Anthem Music Group, working alongside Anthem Records.
Over the past year, Anthem has acquired the catalogs of Nashville hitmaker Matt Alderman, Puerto Rican rapper Darell, and singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk.
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