| I published a CD last year. I actually inherited the studio transcrips made by the radio station 60 years ago. The radio station wished me luck. I hired a person to find the copyright holder of every song. We found most of the information at Harry Fox. Some pieces I couldn't find. One tidbit of info I was provided stated that songs written before the 1920's are in the public domain. I think Victor Herbert and the song writers of this era formed ASCAP and fought for royalties. They won.
So what I understand is that if the song is pre 1920's you can steal all you want.
I was also informed that even if I couldn't find a copy right holder, I am legally required to pay them the 6 cents or so per CD and they have to take it as long as someone else recorded the song before me.
The bottom line is..
You have to pay the composer if the composer or assigns still owns the rights.
The good news. Every person I paid was greatfull and was happy I was using their song. Some hadn't received royalties for years.
Sorry, I didn't contribute anything useful to this thread.
The US copy right internet site has all the details.
__________________ "I was performing professionally at age 17 and have never had a real job." Allen Vizzutti http://cdbaby.com/cd/mcking |