Getting releases for (really) old music

[devin]

Long story short: My father was told to go to Nashville (by BMI Canada) in late 1963 to record some country songs he wrote. He did, and returned with his tape. The studio was paid, with the purpose of my father releasing his music. (He returned to Canada, and decided not to start touring to support a release once he saw the Beatles...another long story).These songs have never been released, but were originally recorded for that purpose.Would he be required to secure releases if he wanted to put these songs on another recorded medium today? Internet? Could he send to Taxi, etc?Thanks all...I know it isn't a question you hear every day!

[mojobone]

Who paid for the sessions? Was your father under contract when the recordings were made? If the recording wasn't released, there's a good chance that a phonorecord copyright wasn't registered. If not, you'll probably want to do that before you do anything else.

[devin]

Thanks Mojo! I'll have to check into that...be right back...