Releasing a hit song while a music genre is at its peak is the perfect recipe to create something timeless. In 1978, icon Cheryl Lynn released her first single “Got to Be Real.”
Its success would then set the trajectory for her debut self-titled album, which became RIAA-certified Gold, per AllMusic.
Since then, according to Music Data, an account on X, “Encore” spiked by more than 30,000 streams on Spotify in just 24 hours on Nov. 7, 2023, and overall has seen growth of 10% in sales/streams.
what is happening? wow ♥️🎶 the music will live on. https://t.co/4NWPRnFzBA
— Cheryl Lynn (@_IAMCHERYLLYNN) November 7, 2023
Following the news, an X user tweeted that it was unfortunate that when trends like this occur, artists aren’t likely to receive a profit. With a post on Nov. 8, Lynn responded and cleared the air on her end.
“I own my masters so the royalties are lovely,” the soul singer tweeted. “Have been for over 35 years.”
i own my masters so the royalties are lovely. Have been for over 35 years. CLXO. https://t.co/YrYy51nPf9
— Cheryl Lynn (@_IAMCHERYLLYNN) November 8, 2023
And from the looks of how often Lynn’s music is used in the entertainment world, the royalties being “lovely” may not come as a surprise. The initial impact of “Got to Be Real” moved people worldwide to the dance floor in the late 1970s, but the classic has yet to lose its massive appeal.
Over four decades later, the disco record can still be heard in TV commercials and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows such as “Scandal,” “Sex and the City,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” “The Pink Panther,” Carlito’s Way,” and “Paris Is Burning,” according to IMDb. What’s more, “Encore” was featured in “Atlanta” and “The Photograph.”
Along with sharing that she owns her masters, Lynn announced that she’s working with lawyers to bring more of her music to streaming platforms.
Coming to streaming, lawyers are on it. You’ll have even more available. 🎼❤️ pic.twitter.com/cDwSclhj00
— Cheryl Lynn (@_IAMCHERYLLYNN) November 9, 2023
When it comes to the concept of ownership, musicians owning their masters is at the top of the totem pole. As previously reported by AFROTECH, artists reclaiming their masters not only empowers them but also can create generational wealth. Check it out to learn more about other artists like Lynn who have been successful in taking back what’s theirs.
