Bootsy Collins signs with ALG Brands

ALG Brands has been tapped to represent the original Starchild, Bootsy Collins, for licensing and branding opportunities, it was announced today by ALG CEO Ashley Austin. The firm will manage Collins’ personality rights and will oversee the evolution of his intellectual property via brand collaborations, media projects, licensed products and more.

“I’m getting excited, the Funk has united with ALG,” says Collins. “Time to give up the ‘P’ – Funk that is, baba! Bootsy baby!!!”

“Bootsy is prolific in all aspects of the entertainment business,” says Austin. “His image is iconic, his sound is authentic, and his vibe is on a whole other level. It is an honour to be invited into his orbit, and we are so excited to work with him and his amazing team to bring the power of The One to new media, branding, and licensing initiatives.”

Born in Cincinnati, OH, Bootsy Collins is an all-time great funk and R&B bassist, singer, bandleader and music producer. From 1969 to 1971, Collins performed with James Brown’s backup band, dubbed the J.B.’s, his bass driving records like “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine.” In 1972, Bootsy joined George Clinton’s Parliament/Funkadelic; Collins and Clinton soon established a lifelong personal and musical friendship. He launched Bootsy’s Rubber Band as a spinoff of Parliament-Funkadelic in 1976 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as part of the P-Funk collective.

Beyond the music, Collins is one of the most colourful personalities in entertainment. Bootsy’s custom-built, star-shaped Space Bass, top hat, wild glasses, ever-present smile, and instantly recognisable voice have ensured his long status as a cultural icon. Beloved by original funkateers, next generation hip-hoppers, electronic pioneers, metalheads and more, the forever young Bootsy Collins is the definition of a living legend.

ALG Brands to represent the estate of John Belushi and the Blues Brothers

ALG Brands has been tapped to represent the estate of John Belushi and the Blues Brothers for licensing and legacy opportunities, it was announced this week by ALG COO, Scott Austin.

The branding firm will manage Belushi’s personality rights and will oversee the evolution of the Blues Brothers’ iconic intellectual property via brand collaborations, media projects, experiential events and more. ALG will advise and collaborate with Belushi’s widow, Judith Belushi Pisano, on all matters relating to the estate and the late comedian’s legacy.

In addition, ALG will work closely with Blues Brothers Approved Ventures partners Belushi Pisano and Dan Aykroyd to expand the Blues Brothers brand across categories.

“I spent two years looking for brand management with the right fit, and I am confident this is it,” said Belushi Pisano. “Ashley and Scott could not be more qualified, passionate, creative and dedicated. This is a partnership I put my trust in for the future.”

Austin added: “Like Jake and Elwood Blues, we too are on a mission…to ensure that John Belushi and the Blues Brothers endure as pop culture heroes for generations to come. We are thrilled to be working with Judy and Blues Brothers Approved Ventures on behalf of these timeless and beloved icons.”

Born in Chicago, John Belushi created his own comedy troupe, the West Compass Players, from which he stepped directly onto the main stage at The Second City. There he honed his craft and met lifelong collaborators, Harold Ramis and Bill Murray. In 1973, he starred in the first National Lampoon stage show, National Lampoon: Lemmings, and later found himself at the centre of the comedy universe alongside future stars Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner and Dan Aykroyd.

In 1975, Belushi became an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, delivering some of the show’s most memorable moments, including the first opening sketch and the characters Samurai Futaba, Olympia Pete and others.

He starred as “Bluto” Blutarsky in National Lampoon’s Animal House and as “Joliet” Jake alongside longtime friend and creative partner, Dan Aykroyd, in The Blues Brothers.

 

‘King of Soul’ Sam Cooke moves into licensing with ALG Brands

The American singer-songwriter, civil rights activist, and recognised King of Soul, Sam Cooke is making a move on the licensing space via a new partnership between the Sam Cooke estate and ALG Brands.

Under the partnership, ALG will represent services for the estate, including the licensing of Cooke’s personality rights and administration of his digital and social media assets.

ALG will work alongside estate CEO, and granddaughter of Cooke, Nicole Cooke-Johnson to “maintain and expand the legacy” of the late entertainer through branding and content initiatives with multi-generational appeal.

In addition to establishing the iconic singer’s online presence with an official website and social media profiles, Cooke-Johnson and Austin will spearhead branded media projects leading up to the singer’s 90th birthday in 2021 and beyond.

“My grandfather was a visionary who understood the power of words, music and ownership,” said estate CEO Nicole Cooke-Johnson. “From his singer-songwriter roots in Gospel music to his global successes in R&B and soul music, my grandfather was an influencer who intentionally used his form of branded entertainment to affect changes in his community, for our nation and around the world.

“I am very proud to be continuing his legacy by working with ALG to explore new co-branding opportunities that will inspire people today and for many more years to come as my grandfather’s leadership, creativity and music have inspired so many people around the world for generations.”

ALG Brands CEO, Ashley Austin, added: “Sam Cooke invented soul; his unique blend of gospel and popular music created an entirely new genre, paving the way for countless artists after him.

“Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Activist. Entrepreneur. The list of his accomplishments goes on and on. This is an incredible man with a profound legacy, and it is an honour to be working with the estate to preserve and promote it.”

Cooke’s vocals took over the pop charts in the 1950s and 1960s with a slew of hits, including You Send Me, (What A) Wonderful World, and Twistin’ The Night Away.

In addition to being a celebrated entertainer, Cooke helped usher in the Civil Rights movement as he refused to perform for segregated audiences. His own personal experiences with racial discrimination even served as the foundation for one of his most recognisable songs and one that is universally regarded as the anthem for equality, A Change Is Gonna Come.