Originally Posted By: Music-AMG

Absolutely have to thank everyone that has contributed to this topic. (My apologies if it was a topic already mentioned, but, when I searched, I used the search term "getting published" and it returned nothing.. so, now it does.. lol)

Another question I have is, what about really old other peoples music? I know more than likely you would have to pay a royalty or something to include songs like that on CD for sale.

As an example, I play mostly all blues. However, I would like to do my own versions of old blues songs. Stuff like Hideaway, Shame Shame Shame, or whatever. It would be nice to know ahead of time if older songs would cause problems down the road.

Is there a searchable database for this?


Yeah, you can always google search the song you're interested in recording. You will find it's date of creation/copyright.

For works published after 1977, it the life of the author plus 70 years. If the work is a work for hire (that is, the work is done in the course of employment or has been specifically commissioned) or is published anonymously or under a pseudonym, the copyright lasts between 95 and 120 years, depending on the date the work is published. All works published in the United States before 1923 are in the public domain. Works published after 1922, but before 1978 are protected for 95 years from the date of publication. If the work was created, but not published, before 1978, the copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. However, even if the author died over 70 years ago, the copyright in an unpublished work lasts until December 31, 2002. And if such a work is published before December 31, 2002, the copyright will last until December 31, 2047.

A bit complicated, but if you research the song, you will be able to find that information and move forward knowing you're working on a PD song or pay Harry Fox for the license.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.