Primary Wave has completed a deal with the Estate of Leon Russell to acquire a stake of the late, great songwriter/artist's catalog. This includes such indelible tunes as "A Song for You," "Superstar," "The Masquerade" and "Tight Rope."

"I am delighted that Leon Russell and his heirs have joined the Primary Wave family," proclaimed PW boss Larry Mestel. "Leon was a legendary songwriter whose music has resonated in people's lives for decades. His songs were an inspiration to so many and we look forward to furthering the legacy of this remarkable musician."

Mestel is said to have been fitted with a top hat for the ocasion.

Russell has been inducted into the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame, and exerted a massive influence over a host of musical greats. "A Song for You" was covered by Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston, and Elton John (one of Russell's biggest acolytes) declared it an "American classic." "Superstar," meanwhile, was a major hit for The Carpenters (and was also memorably covered by Sonic Youth).