An ever-growing number of superstar musicians and songwriters are selling their music catalogues for megabucks as traditional record companies, upstart rights firms, and investment vehicles vie for the most lucrative masters and publishing assets.

Read on to discover the big names who have already parted with their precious songbooks, and uncover the 21 biggest sales to date. All dollar amounts in US dollars. 

Note: our round-up comprises artists who have sold their catalogues for verified figures. Many other music icons who aren't listed, including Blondie, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Aerosmith, and The Killers, have also sold their music catalogues for undisclosed (yet undoubtedly huge) sums in recent times.