Aretha gets catalog deal with UMG

THREE-WAY OF LOVE: Aretha Franklin’s Aretha’s Records imprint is getting a distribution deal at UMG, shepherded by former Sony Music ruler Don Ienner, Showbiz 411’s Roger Friedman reports. The first releases on Aretha’s Records will be five of albums released by Atlantic during the ’70s, none of which has previously been issued on CD. More of her catalog, as well an unreleased material, could wind up there, too. Franklin says she’s also looking to sign new artists. The Universal deal apparently won’t impact the recent contract she signed with Clive Davis at Sony for new recordings. (6/4a)