Sir Douglas Myers' New York City music connection

The rights to John Lennon's music were obtained by the business in a deal with Yoko Ono. Photo / Getty

Sir Douglas Myers, lauded for his contribution to New Zealand business through his work at Lion Nathan and the Business Roundtable, was also an astute investor in the music business.

Late in life, Sir Doug become involved in Downtown Music, a recording studio and publisher in New York founded in 2007. Their first success - Gnarls Barkley's hit song Crazy - saw the studio bring in top talent in the following years.

The company did a deal with Yoko Ono - who also publishes on the label - to secure the administration rights to all John Lennon's music after The Beatles, while acquiring some rights to The Beatles' music as well. Downtown Music, led by founder Justin Kalifowitz, is lauded for its contribution to the industry and is ranked in Billboard's Music Publishing Top 10.

Glam rock scoundrels Motley Crue are signed to the label. Photo / Getty

Sir Doug invested in Downtown when his son became interested in music and was integral in expanding the publishing side of the business.

Following their success with Gnarls Barkley - AKA CeeLo Green who went on to be a judge on The Voice - the label signed established and up-and-coming artists including Cold War Kids, Santigold and Neon Trees.

Some of the bigger names tied to the label include Bruce Springsteen, Motley Crue, The Kinks, Hans Zimmer and One Direction.

Downtown writers have written songs for such stars as Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Rihanna.