Music Recordings That Are Public Domain Now?

Cafe Society
1

Something I have wondered for some time now.

After a certain amount of time (I think it is a hundred years–correct me if I am wrong), songs become public domain. My question: Are there any recordings of songs that fall into this category?

I guess I can tell you the full story. About 10-15 years ago I was thinking of downloading this Andrews Sisters song. And I thought to myself, is this song already public domain? Anyway, I wasn’t sure, so I didn’t. But was it? Especially now?

:):):slight_smile:

2

Handy dandy guide

tl;dr version
Published 1922 and before? Yes
Jan 1, 1923 to Mar 1, 1989? Maybe. It depends if the copyright holder jumped through all the hoops correctly.
Mar 2, 1989 to present? Assume no.

3

If it’s at archive.org it’s public domain.

https://archive.org/details/78rpm?&and[]=andrews%20sisters

4

Edit window
My synopsis is for written work.
Sound recording is further down on the list.