The Who 'Sell Out'

PETE TOWNSHEND: Sells Out

Pete Townshend has sold his song catalog to independent music publisher Spirit Music Group. Among the songs included are "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Behind Blue Eyes," "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Riley," "Who Are You," "You Better You Bet" and "Let My Love Open the Door," as well as the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia and his future work, both for The Who and solo.

Townshend says, "The deal provides me with the resources to start all over again in my creative career -- most songwriters don't get this kind of opportunity." A series of retrospectives for The Who's biggest albums are expected over the next two years leading up to their 50th anniversary in 2014.

Spirit's roster also includes songs by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Santana, The Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand, Lou Reed, T. Rex, The Grateful Dead, Alice Cooper, Chicago, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z and many others.