Why The Beatles Don't Own Their Songs Explained
Discover the legal complexities behind The Beatles' song ownership and the history of copyright changes.
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The Beatles do not own their songs due to complex historical and legal reasons. Primarily, the issue began when their early publishing company, Northern Songs, was taken over by external investors. Eventually, Michael Jackson acquired the rights, and they have changed hands multiple times since.
FAQs & Answers
- How did Michael Jackson acquire the rights to The Beatles' songs? Michael Jackson purchased the rights to The Beatles' songs in the 1980s as part of a larger music catalog acquisition.
- What is Northern Songs? Northern Songs was the publishing company that originally held the rights to The Beatles' early music, which was later sold to various investors.
- Why do artists sell their song rights? Artists often sell their song rights for financial gain, to secure immediate income or due to complex legal and business circumstances.
- What are the implications of losing song ownership? Losing song ownership can affect an artist's revenue, control over their music, and the ability to influence how their work is used.