Mac is, of course, correct re: his caution about copyright law viloations. U.S. law is unique in that the law changed substantially in 1978 so that works created prior to 1-1-78 are treated differently than those created subsequently.

However, the protection periods are very long in either case (95 years for pre- 1978 works and the life of the writer or last surviving co-writer plus 70 years for post-'78 works.

It is almost certain that the most famous songs recorded by the artists you mention are still in copyright protection...unless some of the songs they released were quite old at the time they recorded them.

Importantly, virtually all of the available midi songs with melodies as well as BIAB files with melodies are illegal.

Most publishers overlook such copyright violations only because there are so many of them, they can't possibly take actions against the violators. However, they can and DO take X number of actions every year to "make examples" out of the violators.

It is well known that college students and other small time violators have been dragged through the courts with very significant financial consequences.

While getting caught is sort of like losing a reverse lottery, it is a chance that can be expensive to take.

With a project like yours, the more it might succeed the more likely it would be that some publisher would find out about it and take action.

"Clearly copyrights" on as many songs as you contemplate for your project would be a VERY daunting and likely quite expensive undertaking.

Personally, I love Western Swing and it would be a hoot to have such a fakebook as you are contemplating so A+ on the idea and best of luck to you.

Just be careful out there.

Best,

Jim

(Music publisher for nearly 20 years)

Last edited by av84fun; 10/07/13 09:09 PM.