Bertie Higgins catalog acquired by Reservoir

Reservoir Media has acquired the music catalog of American singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins, adding publishing and master recording rights to works that include the 1981 hit Key Largo to its portfolio.

The transaction marks the independent music company’s latest deal to expand its holdings of legacy catalogs. In September, the company acquired the music publishing catalog of Miles Davis.

The New York Times reported at the time that Reservoir Media has spent $876 million on M&A (across catalogs and other companies) since its inception in 2007.

Financial terms of the Higgins acquisition were not disclosed.

Reservoir noted in its announcement that Higgins “cemented himself as an icon” in the yacht rock movement, a soft rock subgenre. Key Largo reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and held the top position on the Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the single Gold after it spent 17 weeks in the Top 40.

Then in 1983, Higgins dropped his debut album, Just Another Day in Paradise, which reached the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. The album featured the title track and Casablanca, which Japanese singer Hiromi Go later covered.

“Reservoir, and particularly Donna Caseine, demonstrated commitment to preserving and expanding my legacy, which is now of the utmost importance me.”

Bertie Higgins

Higgins went on to release more than 20 albums over his career, including several compilation records.

On Spotify, he has over 314,000 monthly listeners.

Higgins, born in Tarpon Springs, Florida, started as a touring drummer with the Roemans, opening for acts including the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys. After returning to Florida, he drew attention from producers Bob Crewe, Phil Gerhard and Felton Jarvis. The Florida Music Hall of Fame inducted him in January 2016 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2019. He has received recognition in Germany and China and continues to perform globally.

Commenting on the deal with Reservoir, Higgins said: “I am extremely pleased to be working with Reservoir Media for the next phase of my musical journey. Above all else, Reservoir, and particularly Donna Caseine, demonstrated commitment to preserving and expanding my legacy, which is now of the utmost importance me. I could not be happier with my decision.”

“Bertie Higgins is a staple figure of the yacht rock genre, whose songwriting legacy, from the global success of ‘Key Largo’ to his enduring international appeal, represents a unique and valuable addition to our catalog.”

Donna Caseine, Reservoir Media

Reservoir EVP Global Creative Director Donna Caseine added: “Bertie Higgins is a staple figure of the yacht rock genre, whose songwriting legacy, from the global success of ‘Key Largo’ to his enduring international appeal, represents a unique and valuable addition to our catalog.

“We are honored to bring his body of work to Reservoir and further reinforce our commitment to strategically expanding our portfolio through meaningful partnerships with legacy artists.”

The acquisition comes as Reservoir continues to expand its catalog through acquisitions. In 2021, Reservoir acquired Tommy Boy Music in a deal valued at approximately $100 million. In February, the company acquired UK dance and electronic label New State, and the label’s entire recorded music catalog of over 13,000 tracks.

In 2019, Reservoir acquired the Chrysalis Records catalog for an undisclosed fee.

In May, the company revealed that it spent over $115 million on acquisitions and advances in its latest fiscal year (ended March 31, 2025).

In its earnings report published in August, Reservoir Media posted $37.2 million in revenue for Q1 of its fiscal 2026, which corresponds to Q2 of calendar 2025. That’s an increase of 8% YoY, or 5% YoY on an organic basis excluding acquisitions.

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