Photo Credit: Fotograaf Onbekend / Anefo
Iconoclast buys Tony Bennett’s legendary catalog, as well as name and likeness rights for branded watches, a restaurant, and film/TV projects.
Brand development company Iconoclast has inked a deal for the rights to legendary singer Tony Bennett’s catalog, in addition to his name and image likeness rights, according to a report from Billboard on Tuesday (March 19).
The company confirmed that several Tony Bennett-themed projects were in the works, including a New York restaurant, a series of Bulova watches, and a Paramount+ documentary called The Lady and The Legend, showcasing Bennett’s frequent collaborations with Lady Gaga during the last decade of his life.
“We all walk in the footsteps of giants. Tony was one of these giants,” said Iconoclast founder Olivier Chastan. “Besides his extraordinary talent that radiated for over 60 years, Tony’s legacy is one of character, integrity, kindness, and courage. We are truly honored to be the custodians of this incredible and historical legend.”
“In working with Tony for over 40 years, my philosophy was always that I didn’t manage a career, but rather, managed a legacy,” said Danny Bennett, the singer’s son and manager. “Iconoclast […] will continue this tradition,” he continued, adding that he expects the deal will ensure his father’s body of work “endure[s] for future generations.”
Tony Bennett was a Great American Songbook legend, best known for his renditions of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “Because of You,” Later in his life, he performed with many contemporary artists like Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Elvis Costello, and k.d. lang. He died last July at age 96.
Founded by Chastan in 2021 after his tenure leading Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group, Iconoclast owns the rights to works by artists such as David Cassidy, The Band’s Robbie Robertson, and Marianne Faithfull.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed; Sam Roseme and Peter Paterno of King, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano represented Iconoclast, while Don Friedman of Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks represented Tony Bennett’s estate.
