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Does Barbra Streisand own her master's?

Published in Artist Ownership 2 mins read

Yes, Barbra Streisand does own her master recordings. This places her in a unique and powerful position within the music industry, giving her significant control over her artistic legacy and financial returns.

Barbra Streisand and Master Recordings

Barbra Streisand has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining creative control throughout her expansive career. This dedication is evident in her artistic choices, such as the straightforward naming of her early albums, including The Second Barbra Streisand Album and The Third Album. This deep-seated desire for autonomy extended to the business side of her career, ultimately leading her to acquire ownership of her valuable master recordings.

This strategic ownership has provided Streisand with remarkable independence concerning her musical catalog. A notable example of her creative freedom in action is the highly successful The Broadway Album, a project she was able to fully realize on her own terms, showcasing her distinct artistic vision.

The Significance of Owning Masters

For any recording artist, owning their master recordings is a profound advantage. A "master" refers to the original sound recording of a song, which is the foundational asset from which all subsequent copies and derivatives are made. Historically, and often still, these masters are owned by record labels, granting them significant control over:

  • Licensing: Who can use the music in films, television, commercials, or other media.
  • Distribution: How and where the music is made available to the public.
  • Revenue Generation: A substantial portion of the income derived from streaming, sales, and other uses.

By owning her masters, Barbra Streisand benefits from:

  • Full Creative and Commercial Control: She retains the ultimate decision-making power over how her music is utilized and presented to the world.
  • Increased Financial Participation: She directly receives a larger share of the royalties and revenue streams generated from her recordings, rather than sharing them extensively with a label.
  • Legacy Preservation: She has the direct ability to manage and preserve her extensive artistic output for future generations, ensuring its integrity and availability according to her wishes.

This level of control highlights Streisand's business acumen and her steadfast commitment to self-determination as an artist, setting her apart from many peers who often spend years trying to regain control of their work. To learn more about her remarkable career, you can visit Barbra Streisand's Official Website.