BackBUSINESS
Sony Music buys Recognition's vast song catalogue, including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Journey and more
Sony Music will acquire Blackstone's London-based Recognition catalogue, said to contain more than 45,000 songs, in a deal reported to be around $4 billion as part of a Sony-GIC partnership announced on May 11, 2026. The catalogue includes hit songs from Beyonce, Leonard Cohen, Journey, Lady Gaga and others. Recognition was formerly Hipgnosis Songs Fund, went public in 2018 and was acquired by Blackstone in 2024 for $1.6 billion, after which it was renamed Recognition.
Why It Matters
The move underscores ongoing institutional investment in music rights and expands Sony's catalog and potential streaming revenue streams.
Timeline
3 Events
Sony Music and GIC announce acquisition of Recognition catalogue
May 11, 2026
Sony Music, in partnership with Singapore's GIC, announced the acquisition of Blackstone's London-based Recognition catalogue, described as containing more than 45,000 songs. The Financial Times reported the deal value as about $4 billion. The catalogue includes songs by Beyonce, Leonard Cohen, Journey, Lady Gaga and more. Blackstone said the deal delivers a strong outcome for its investors, and Sony Music Chairman Rob Stringer expressed pride in the acquisition.
Blackstone acquires Recognition
2024
Recognition was acquired by Blackstone for about $1.6 billion in 2024, and was renamed Recognition.
Recognition goes public
2018
Recognition, originally known as Hipgnosis Songs Fund, went public in 2018.