Widow Rachel Hazes has transferred the music rights to her late husband, folk singer André Hazes, to the investment fund Pythagoras Music Fund (PMF) after nearly 40 years of managing his legacy. The acquisition was structured through the purchase of shares in Melvin Produkties, the production company owned by Rachel Hazes. The announcement of the rights transfer was made on Monday by Pythagoras Music Fund, confirming the completion of the transaction and the new management structure for the Dutch singer's catalog. [1]
André Hazes remains one of the most iconic figures in Dutch music history. His most famous tracks, including 'Kleine Jongen', 'Zij gelooft in mij', and 'Zeg maar niets meer', have been streamed tens of millions of times, securing his place in national culture. According to a statement from PMF, Hazes' widow will maintain a supervisory role behind the scenes, keeping watch where necessary and providing advice. Hein van der Ree, a partner at PMF, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in their fund, describing the management of Hazes' musical legacy as both an honor and a serious responsibility. [1]
Rachel Hazes stated that she wishes to step back and rest after dedicating nearly four decades to protecting her husband's estate. She emphasized that preserving the name, music, and rights of André Hazes with respect for future generations remains her primary concern. The transfer of rights does not affect the future of the annual 'Holland Zingt Hazes' concert series, which features the biggest hits of André Hazes performed by various artists. This commitment ensures the continued celebration of his work. Ricardo Klaverdijk from Melvin Produkties remains closely involved in the partnership under the new arrangement. The collaboration aims to build upon André's musical legacy while protecting and cherishing his name and image for future generations. [1]
Pythagoras Music Fund, founded in 2021 by composer John Ewbank and others, has acquired music rights from dozens of Dutch and international artists. Its portfolio includes rights to acts such as Golden Earring, The Gipsy Kings, and classic tracks like 'Come Fly With Me' by Frank Sinatra and 'Ain’t That A Kick In The Head' by Dean Martin. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed by the investment fund. André Hazes died on September 23, 2004, at the age of 53, following two heart attacks and cardiac arrest. His legacy continues to be managed by a specialized fund dedicated to preserving European music catalogs. Public interest in the sale of André Hazes' rights highlights the growing trend of investment funds acquiring legacy music catalogs. The deal underscores the long-term value of iconic Dutch folk music and the careful stewardship required to maintain cultural heritage. [1]
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