Beatles Classic ‘Hey Jude’ Licensed to Chinese Film for Six Figures

Deal marks the first time that a Fab Four tune has been licensed in China

The Beatles

Nearly 50 years after their breakup, the Beatles are preparing to invade China.

The group’s 1968 hit “Hey Jude” has been licensed by publishing company Sony/ATV for the Chinese film “Yesterday Once More,” marking the first time that a Beatles song has been licensed to China, a spokesperson for the publisher told TheWrap.

The licensing fee for the song was in the hefty six-figure range.

The film is described by Billboard, which first reported the news, as a coming-of-age offering. The movies’ two leads will sing the tune in English.

The Beatles’ catalog hasn’t often been licensed. One notable exception was when AMC series “Mad Men” licensed the group’s 1966 song “Tomorrow Never Knows” for a 2012 episode, paying a reported $250,000 for the use.

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