Investment firm HarbourView Equity Partners has acquired “select music and non-music assets” from the Estate of Quincy Jones.
HarbourView said that the deal includes Jones’ recorded music and publishing assets, as well as other ancillary rights, including his participation in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
As part of the transaction, HarbourView notes that it will “work in close partnership with the Quincy Jones Estate on go-forward initiatives tied to Jones’ name, image, and likeness”.
The company added: “Through conversations with Quincy Jones’ children, the parties aligned around shared priorities of legacy preservation, education, and protection, ensuring his music and likeness are thoughtfully stewarded, safeguarded from unauthorized or exploitative uses, such as AI, and responsibly extended so future generations can fully understand and appreciate his global impact on music and culture.”
A composer, producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, record executive, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, Jones produced three of Michael Jackson’s most successful albums: Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, as well as the charity single We Are the World.
“As his children, our responsibility is to protect not only the catalog, but the spirit and love behind it.”
Rashida Jones, on behalf of the Quincy Jones family
In his late 20s, Jones became Vice President of Mercury Records, making history as the first Black executive at a major US record company.
“Our father was endlessly curious and always ahead of his time,” said Rashida Jones, on behalf of the Quincy Jones family. “Long before anyone talked about ‘multi-platform,’ he was already building bridges and connecting the dots across music, film, television, publishing, technology and culture, creating iconic juggernauts like Thriller, The Color Purple, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Vibe. These projects didn’t just succeed; they became the gold standard.
“What made him extraordinary was his ability to see around corners and bring together the right people, ideas, and sounds to create timeless work again and again.
“As his children, our responsibility is to protect not only the catalog, but the spirit and love behind it. HarbourView understands that legacy and has the vision and expertise to help ensure that future generations can feel the full scope of his everlasting impact.”
“Sherrese Clarke’s vision, cultural pride, and mission alignment give us great confidence that our father’s legacy will be thoughtfully protected and carried forward.”
Quincy Jones III
Chicago-born Jones, who died in 2024 at the age of 91, was named by TIME Magazine as one of the six most influential jazz artists of the 20th century. He won 28 Grammys in a career spanning more than six decades.
“Our father didn’t just create hits, he built platforms that shaped culture across music, film, media, and technology,” said Quincy Jones III (QD3).
“He believed innovation was a creative tool and embraced it early, from serving on the board of MIT to pushing the boundaries of what storytelling could be. He had a deep passion for empowering future generations of creatives, and saw technology/innovation as a conduit if used ethically.
“HarbourView was the clear partner for our family: Sherrese Clarke’s vision, cultural pride, and mission alignment give us great confidence that our father’s legacy will be thoughtfully protected and carried forward.”
“Our partnership with the Estate is rooted in deep respect for Quincy’s creative vision and a long-term commitment to safeguarding his work.”
Sherrese Clarke, HarbourView Equity Partners
HarbourView said that “additional announcements and tributes will follow in the coming weeks as collaborators and longtime creative partners share reflections on Quincy Jones’ life, work, and enduring influence.”
Commenting on the deal, Sherrese Clarke, CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners, said: “Quincy Jones was not just a once-in-a-generation talent, he was a once-in-a-century architect of culture.
“Our partnership with the Estate is rooted in deep respect for Quincy’s creative vision and a long-term commitment to safeguarding his work, his likeness, and his influence for generations to come.”
Fox Rothschild served as legal counsel to HarbourView in the transaction, while Quincy Jones Estate was represented by Gene Salomon and Don Passman at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Financial terms were not disclosed.
HarbourView was established in 2021 by former Tempo Music CEO Sherrese Clarke, with backing from Apollo Global Management.
Just a few months ago, the company secured $500 million in additional debt financing from investment giant KKR via a private securitization backed by its music portfolio.
It followed a previous $500 million in debt financing secured by HarbourView in March 2024, through a private securitization backed by its catalog of music royalties, and led by KKR.
This latest agreement marks the latest in a series of significant moves from the company.
Acquisitive HarbourView has acquired over 70 music catalogs encompassing over 35,000 songs across both master recordings and publishing income streams.
The company’s portfolio includes music from T-Pain, James Fauntleroy, George Benson, Noel Zancanella, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Nelly, Jeremih, Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown, Full Force and more.
In September, Michelle Jubelirer and Arjun Pulijal have launched a new venture backed by a strategic investment from HarbourView Equity Partners.
HarbourView also recently entered into a deal with metal band Slipknot to acquire a majority stake in their catalog.
The deal included hits like Wait and Bleed, Duality, Psychosocial, and the Grammy-winning track Before I Forget.Music Business Worldwide
