Why Archiving Matters: Legacy, Wealth, and Vision

In the entertainment world, clients often ask me, “What is an archive, and why does it matter?” The answer lies in legacy, generational wealth, and preserving an artist’s vision for the future.

Take David Bowie as an example. His foresight in organizing his masters, personal effects, and estate allowed him to tell his story on his terms. Notably, Bowie employed a personal archivist on staff for over a decade — and the results speak for themselves. Here’s what happened:

1. Catalog Sale:

• In 2022, months after his passing, Bowie’s estate sold his publishing catalog to Warner Chappell Music for at least $250 million.
• The catalog included songs from all 26 studio albums, the posthumous album Toy, two Tin Machine albums, and iconic tracks like Heroes, Changes, Space Oddity, and Let’s Dance.

1. Archive Acquisition and Museum Tour:

• The V&A Museum acquired 80,000 items from Bowie’s archive, supported by donations from the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Warner Music Group.
• These materials have been showcased through the touring exhibition David Bowie Is, which captivated audiences worldwide, further solidifying Bowie’s legacy.

1. Books and Additional Revenue:

• Bowie’s books and accompanying shows are estimated to have generated an additional $174 million for his estate.

Most importantly, Bowie’s legacy reflects his artistry rather than being subject to the chaos of probate court or undue scrutiny. His story, his work, and his life are celebrated on his terms, in large part due to the meticulous work of his personal archivist.

Approaching Entertainment Like Fine Art

Entertainers should approach their art, masters, and lives as fine artists do. Artists like Dan Flavin and Jean Arp have left legacies that continue their vision through exhibitions, books, and charitable initiatives. The Warhol Foundation is another excellent example, ensuring Andy Warhol’s work remains authentic and celebrated while generating income to support creative projects.

This mindset allows entertainers to:

• Authenticate their work to maintain its value and protect its integrity.
• Monetize their legacy responsibly, creating sustainable wealth.
• Leave a lasting impact that celebrates their life’s work and ensures its availability for generations to come.

Why This Matters

Archiving is not just about organizing; it’s about getting your life in order and shaping your story as you want it to be told. It ensures that your legacy celebrates your artistry while creating generational wealth and stability for your family.

When my clients ask how they should approach their careers, I tell them: Be like Bowie. He curated his life, art, and story meticulously. His legacy doesn’t just reflect his brilliance — it multiplies it, ensuring his life’s work inspires and generates wealth for generations to come.

Let’s Build Your Legacy

My name is Rebecca Pietri, and I am an Archivist for Legacy Projects for high-net-worth individuals and entertainers. If you’re ready to safeguard your story and build a legacy that lasts, please reach out to me at [email protected] for a consultation.