Primary Wave Music has announced a significant acquisition deal with the estate of the late Donna Summer, a legendary artist inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Summer, who passed away in 2012 at age 63, left behind a powerful legacy that includes 17 studio albums, with three of them topping the Billboard 200 charts between 1978 and 1980. Her extensive catalog features nearly 90 singles, over one-third of which appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, including platinum-certified hits like “Hot Stuff,” which earned her a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

The acquisition by Primary Wave encompasses not only Summer’s music catalog and master recordings but also her name, image, and likeness rights. The estate will collaborate closely with Primary Wave for opportunities spanning marketing, branding, digital initiatives, and projects in film and television. This partnership aims to continue expanding and innovating the reach of Donna Summer’s music and cultural contributions, ensuring her legacy remains vibrant in contemporary media and entertainment spaces.

Primary Wave Music has established itself as a major player in music catalog acquisitions, previously securing a 50% stake in the estate of the Notorious B.I.G., which includes his publishing, master rights, and personal branding elements. The company has also partnered with iconic artists such as Patti LaBelle, acquiring her full catalog in 2025, which totals 18 studio albums and three live albums. These strategic deals reflect Primary Wave’s commitment to preserving and amplifying the legacies of groundbreaking musicians through diverse revenue and exposure channels.

Steven Greener, a leader at Primary Wave, expressed honor and excitement about working with such legendary artists, emphasizing the company’s focus on long-term legacy-building and innovative business practices. With Donna Summer’s acquisition, Primary Wave secures another iconic catalog in its portfolio, positioning itself strongly in the music industry’s evolving landscape of ownership and brand management for legendary artists.