Muddy Waters’ estate has a global agreement with Sony Music Publishing to manage his entire song catalog, which includes classic singles like “Mannish Boy,” “Rollin’ Stone,” “Champagne & Reefer,” “I Can’t Be Satisfied,” and more.
Waters, whose full name is McKinley Morganfield, is regarded as one of the most important figures in blues and rock and roll both in the United States and abroad. His impact has continued to influence performers throughout the decades, including Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt shared this sentiment in a statement, saying that Muddy Waters was without a doubt one of the most influential songwriters in contemporary music. “His vivacious, expressive tone continues to inspire generations of musicians today. To further the long songwriting legacy of the Muddy Waters Estate, we look forward to working with them.
“On behalf of Muddy Waters’ family, we take great comfort in knowing that Jon Platt and his team at Sony will be handling this magnificent catalog of music,” said estate representative Mercy Morganfield. The legacy of my father plays a significant role in both American and musical history.
It is crucial to educate future generations about the impact that blues artists like Dad, Howling Wolf, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, and countless others had on styles of music ranging from Rock & Roll to Hip-Hop. We don’t want these people’s names to be forgotten by time or in subsequent tellings of their experiences. We have a partner in Sony, and I think they can help us maintain that flame and broaden our influence so that we can give my father the position in music history that we all agree he and so many others deserve. I’m excited about the job that lies ahead.
After ten years with the label, where she oversaw the marketing plans for notable pop performers like Ariana Grande, the Jonas Brothers, John Legend, and others, Gryn will now be in charge of the whole roster’s worldwide business development and foreign marketing activities. She is also in charge of managing and expanding the department’s team of strategists.
According to Roppo, Donna has been essential over the past ten years in both launching musicians internationally and maintaining their popularity over time. She is a rare marketing executive whose broad perspective is matched by her amazing work ethic and dedication to our group’s objective. She is thus the ideal head for our international marketing initiatives, and it is with honor that we announce her elevation.
Gryn, a former member of Variety’s Hitmakers Impact List (2021 and 2019), began working for Republic Records in 2012 as a senior director of marketing. She then rose to the position of vice president of marketing in 2016 and senior vice president of marketing in 2018. Prior to consulting for Epic Records, she had executive positions at Polo Grounds Music, Virgin Records, and Star Trak Entertainment.