Understanding the Business of Entertainment

Chapter 2Music Copyright

Introduction

The ability to experience music radically changed during the early part of the twentieth century. First, the phonograph was introduced at the start of the century,¹ next came commercial radio in 1920,² and then sound was added to films in 1926–1927.³ By the middle of the twentieth century, music seemingly came from everywhere—from restaurants, bars, stores, baseball parks, elevators, cars and television sets. The twenty-first century has added iPhones and gas station pumps to the list. Not surprisingly, over the years, both the law and business practice adapted to accommodate this explosive new market.

From the inception of the sound era, musical works have been protected by copyright. The 1909 Copyright ...