One of the most fascinating stories in recent music history is that surrounding "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". As you can imagine, the song has brought in literally millions of dollars through its use in high profile films such as Disney's The Lion King. But until very recently, the original songwriter and his heirs had received very little payment for it. I first heard about it through an excellent Rolling Stone article a few years ago (read the transcript HERE).
The Rolling Stone article ended with songwriter Solomon Linda's heirs seeking their due compensation for the song. Through the help of lawyer Owen Dean, the family recently won an undisclosed settlement. The case was won by citing a 1911 British Commonwealth law; as a result, this could set a precedent for other copyright holders in Commonwealth nations to seek compensation. As approximately 1/3 of the world was under the British flag in 1911, this could have huge ramifications.
(Read CNN.com's coverage of the story HERE.)
Read more about this fascinating story HERE.
I'm glad you talked about that song. I really like it. My sister's dance recital had that song in it.
P.S. You did an great job at the Fresno Fair. I was there at the concert.
Posted by: Ms. Jo | April 04, 2006 at 09:41 PM
Hey Mark, it was good seeing you at the meet and greet, thanks for signing my new iPod! Hope you enjoyed the north of here press kit and demo, it was a great experience being up in Nashville and playing rocketown. Cheers!
Posted by: patrickwitherow | April 04, 2006 at 11:29 AM
You realize of course that song is going to be stuck in my head ALL day.
Posted by: MrsJason | March 24, 2006 at 08:50 AM
It is a fascinating story. I am always glad to hear artist's get what they rightfully deserve. The sad thing is that we are often too quick to sign away stuff. Notice that not once but TWICE the rights to the song were signed away. This story also shows that "piracy" of music is not a new thing.
Posted by: Tracy | March 24, 2006 at 05:50 AM