Denver John

using copyrighted music in my film...?

i dont remember who i heard this from, but i was told that you dont need to buy rights to music by artists who have passed away. I was thinking of using some John Denver music in one of my films, but Im not sure if I still have to buy rights. I know if I use like Beethoven I wont have to buy rights. Can anyone tell me?

Public Comments

1. I thinks it's protected until 50 years after their death for most copyrighted material. Anyway, non-current music is usually pretty cheap to use.
2. The copyright lasts for a lifetime plus 70 years.
3. There are individual differences depending on the artist or the situation, but the general rule is that copyrights last for the duration of the creator's life + either 50 or 70 years (again, this can vary). Some labels also choose to renew the copyright, some are obliged to do so every 28 years by law (in the US at least). Beethoven died in 1827, so no need to worry about him. But John Denver died in 1997, so the copyrights still stand, and you would need to seek permission to use his material or replicate it.
4. It can be a major hassle...I know from experience. I just decided to let a local band record music for my film, and it worked out great, without any legal ramifications (not to mention it didn't cost anything). P.S. I'm just one voice, but I'd rather listen to Beethoven over John Denver any day of the week.