Azoff's company signs Prince estate for performing rights
By Associated Press
Jan 11, 2017 1:36 PM CST
FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2007, file photo, Prince performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XLI NFL football game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. Prince’s estate has signed a deal with Global Music Rights, founded by entertainment industry powerhouse Irving Azoff, to represent songs written by...   (Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) — Prince's estate has signed a deal with Global Music Rights, founded by entertainment industry powerhouse Irving Azoff, to represent songs written by the icon.

Prince was signed to performing rights company ASCAP until 2014. His catalog includes hits like "Purple Rain," ''When Doves Cry" and "1999."

GMR announced Wednesday that it will represent released and unreleased Prince songs worldwide. GMR was founded by Randy Grimmett and Azoff, who manages John Mayer, Bon Jovi, the Eagles, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and other acts.

Performing rights organizations, unlike publishing companies, license songs for use in malls, restaurants and other public places.

Prince died last April.