Hanging Tree

This sound recording, "Hanging Tree" by Hinkley, was first released in 2006. According to the Music Modernization Act (MMA), specifically 17 U.S.C. § 1401(a)(1), sound recordings fixed on or after February 15, 1972, are subject to the same protections as other federally copyrighted works. This means the copyright term for such recordings is either 70 years after the last surviving author's death or 95 years from the year of first publication (or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter) for works made for hire. Since "Hanging Tree" was fixed and released in 2006, it falls squarely within this provision. Its copyright protection began upon its creation and publication in 2006 and will continue for the statutory term applicable to federal copyrights. Therefore, as of today, the sound recording for "Hanging Tree" is protected under federal copyright law. It is important to note that this analysis pertains exclusively to the sound recording copyright. The underlying musical composition (melody and lyrics) for "Hanging Tree" is a separate copyrightable work, and its protection status would be determined by the relevant provisions governing musical compositions, typically based on the life of the composer(s) plus 70 years.