Beat It, Beatles ...

How is it possible for Michael Jackson to own the Beatles' song copyrights? Don't the composers have to be dead first?

- Jamal, GA

Not necessarily, but they would've looked great in the "Thriller" video that way.
You or I could write a poem today and inherently own that copyright, free and clear. But in 1963, a clever guy named Dick James locked John and Paul into a publishing deal that gave him "control" of whatever copyrights they created. That piece of paper has since generated millions of dollars and passed through many hands. Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono tried to buy it in 1985, but Mr. Jackson outbid them at $47 million......awkward party moment for sure.

Halloween, 2007 should be quite a "thriller" for the King of Pop, however. If MJ fails to pay his bank $5 million by Oct 31st, Sony Music (co-signer of the bank loan) will probably walk away with The Gloved One's remaining share of that catalog (worth over $500 million).

For some thrilling copyright free stock music, check out 3 of our newest CD releases:

Documentary Essentials Vol. 1: The Great Outdoors
(#RFM1656)
http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com/documentary-essentials-vol-1-the-great-outdoors.html
Best of Strauss, Brahms, Tchaikovsky
(#RFM1661)
http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com/best-of-strauss-brahms-tchaikovsky.html
PowerPoint Music Vol. 2: Bold New Ideas
(#RFM1655)
http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com/powerpoint-music-vol-2--bold-new-ideas.html

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