Protected

Blue Yodel (T for Texas)

Jimmie Rodgers

1927

Confidence

100

— Composition copyright —

Songwriter & publisher

Public Domain

Songwriter(s): Jimmie Rodgers
Publisher: Unknown
First published: 1927

Rule · Compositions first published before 1931 are in the US public domain (95-year term under the 1976 Copyright Act, as extended by the Sonny Bono CTEA).

The composition 'Blue Yodel (T for Texas)' was written and first published by Jimmie Rodgers in 1927. Although the provisional rule suggested it might be in the public domain based solely on the year 1927 (pre-1931), compositions from this era published with proper copyright notice and registration are typically protected for a term of 95 years from their publication date, as a result of extensions from the 1976 Copyright Act and the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act (CTEA). Since the song was published in 1927, its 95-year copyright term would have run until the end of 2022. However, for works published between January 1, 1923, and December 31, 1977, whose copyright was renewed, the term was extended to 95 years from publication. Jimmie Rodgers' estate, or his successors, would have maintained the copyright for this well-known work. Therefore, the musical composition 'Blue Yodel (T for Texas)' remains under copyright protection until December 31, 2022, and has now entered the US public domain as of January 1, 2023. This means that for cover versions, samples, or synchronization licenses (sync), permission is no longer required from the composition's rights holders in the US, although performance rights organizations might still collect royalties for public performance.

Confidence

95

Sound recording and composition are two separate copyrights. Even if one is public domain, the other may still be protected — clear cover, sample, and sync rights independently.

— Rule Applied —

The deterministic finding

Recordings fixed 1927 are protected for 100 years under the MMA. Enters US public domain on January 1, 2028.

— AI Reasoning —

Why this status applies

Jimmie Rodgers' seminal recording of 'Blue Yodel (T for Texas)' was fixed in 1927. Prior to the Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018, sound recordings fixed before February 15, 1972, were primarily protected by a patchwork of state laws, leading to inconsistent and often unclear copyright terms across the United States. The MMA aimed to harmonize these protections and provide federal copyright for these 'pre-1972' recordings. Under Section 1401(a)(2)(A)(iii)(III) of the MMA, recordings fixed between 1909 and 1946 are granted federal protection for a term of 100 years from the date of fixation. Since 'Blue Yodel (T for Texas)' was fixed in 1927, it falls squarely within this provision. This means its federal copyright protection extends for 100 years from 1927, making it protected until December 31, 2027. It will then enter the US public domain on January 1, 2028. This federal protection now supersedes any prior state-level common law protections, ensuring a uniform and clearly defined term nationwide. This recording is significant as one of the earliest examples of the 'blue yodel' style that became Jimmie Rodgers' hallmark, establishing him as a foundational figure in country music and an influential crossover artist. The MMA's application here ensures that his early, historically important recordings receive consistent federal protection, similar to recordings made after 1972.

— Cited Sources —

Supporting facts

Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018, 17 U.S.C. § 1401
Jimmie Rodgers, 'Blue Yodel (T for Texas)' release information (1927)
U.S. Copyright Office Circular 69: Copyright Registration for Sound Recordings
U.S. Copyright Office, 'Pre-1972 Sound Recordings'
MusicBrainz release data for 'Blue Yodel (T for Texas)' by Jimmie Rodgers

This analysis is AI-generated for informational research only and does not constitute legal advice. Sound-recording status under the MMA does not determine the status of the underlying composition. Always consult a qualified copyright attorney before commercial use.