Miles Davis’ Catalog Acquired by Reservoir Media

Reservoir Media revealed a landmark acquisition on Tuesday, obtaining the complete publishing catalog of jazz legend Miles Davis, in addition to rights governing his recordings, name, and image. This strategic move positions Reservoir as the primary steward of the legacy left by one of music’s most transformative figures. The company, which has previously secured catalogs from artists like Sonny Rollins and the Tommy Boy Records archive, now adds Davis to a portfolio that also includes works by Joni Mitchell and Snoop Dogg. This acquisition underscores Reservoir’s growing influence in music rights management, a sector that has seen increasing investment in recent years.

Timed to precede the 2026 centenary of Davis’ birth, the agreement involves close collaboration with the Davis estate, managed by his children Cheryl and Erin Davis, nephew Vincent Wilburn Jr., and their advisors. Together, they will roll out a global series of commemorative events, including tribute concerts, special releases, and marketing partnerships. These initiatives aim to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the artist responsible for era-defining albums such as "Kind of Blue" and "Bitches Brew."

Among the ambitious projects in development is a feature film titled “Miles & Juliette,” co-produced with River Road Entertainment and Mick Jagger’s Jagged Films, which will delve into Davis’ relationship with French singer and actress Juliette Gréco. An international symphonic production is also underway, combining new orchestral interpretations with archival footage to reimagine his boundary-pushing sound. Additionally, the M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band) will embark on a worldwide tour, including a four-night engagement at SFJazz in March as part of the centennial programming.

Erin Davis expressed strong confidence in the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this next chapter of preserving and promoting Miles’ legacy alongside Reservoir’s passionate team.” Vincent Wilburn Jr. echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s “sincere respect for Miles’ artistic innovation and cultural impact,” and noting that the collaboration will help make his uncle’s work accessible to broader and younger demographics.

Golnar Khosrowshahi, Founder and CEO of Reservoir, described the acquisition as “a tremendous privilege,” acknowledging Davis as a perennial source of musical inspiration. She emphasized the company’s intent to rejuvenate his influence through modern platforms such as streaming services and social media engagement. David Hoffman, VP of A&R and Marketing, pointed out that Davis continues to inspire artists across genres, adding, “His fearless creativity remains a benchmark for innovation. We’re eager to introduce his visionary artistry to future generations in fresh and meaningful ways.”