Dick James was the singer of the Robin Hood theme, from British television in the 1950s, and was a friend of producer George Martin. James entered the music publishing business as his singing career tapered off.

In 1963 Dick James established Northern Songs Ltd., with Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney, to publish Lennon and McCartney's original songs. (Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr were also signed to Northern Songs as writers, but did not renew their contracts.) James's company, Dick James Music, administered Northern Songs.

Early in 1969, James and his partner Charles Silver sold their shares in Northern Songs to Britain's Associated Television (ATV), who were able to buy up enough public shares to become the majority stockholders in the company.

James later became the publisher of many of Elton John's classic songs, written with Bernie Taupin.

The Beatles | Elton John

Music publishing companies