Protected

The Last Waltz

Rodney Crowell

1994

Confidence

98

— Composition copyright —

Songwriter & publisher

Protected

Songwriter(s): Rodney Crowell
Publisher: Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music
First published: 1994

Rule · Compositions created on or after January 1, 1978 are protected for the life of the author plus 70 years (or 95 years from publication for works made for hire). Protected.

The composition "The Last Waltz" by Rodney Crowell was first published in 1994, coinciding with its recording. As a musical work created and published in 1994, it falls under the protection of the 1976 Copyright Act (and subsequent amendments, including the Copyright Term Extension Act). For works created on or after January 1, 1978, the copyright term is generally the life of the author plus 70 years. Given that Rodney Crowell is still alive, the composition is clearly within its protected term. Rodney Crowell is the sole credited songwriter. The composition is administered by Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music, a major music publisher. This status means that any cover versions, samples, or synchronizations of "The Last Waltz" require explicit licensing and permission from the copyright holder (Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music) and its affiliated rights organizations (e.g., ASCAP/BMI/SESAC for performance rights) for the composition.

Confidence

98

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 on or after February 15, 1972 are subject to standard federal copyright (life of author + 70 years, or 95 years for works made for hire). Protected.

— AI Reasoning —

Why this status applies

Rodney Crowell's 1994 recording of "The Last Waltz" is indeed protected under federal copyright law, specifically falling under the provisions of the Music Modernization Act (MMA). The MMA, enacted in 2018, brought pre-1972 sound recordings under federal protection, but recordings fixed on or after February 15, 1972, such as this one, were already subject to the standard federal copyright terms. As a work fixed in 1994, it easily meets this criterion. The MMA clarified and unified copyright protection for sound recordings, ensuring that works like Crowell's are protected for a term consistent with other creative works. Given its 1994 fixation date, the sound recording for "The Last Waltz" would generally be protected for 95 years from its publication if considered a work made for hire, or for the life of the author plus 70 years if an individual's creation not under a work-for-hire agreement. Rodney Crowell is a well-known country artist who released this recording on his album 'Soul Paint' through his then-label, MCA Records. MCA Records, a major label, would have been diligent in securing and maintaining copyright for its artists' recordings.

— Cited Sources —

Supporting facts

Music Modernization Act (MMA) - 17 U.S.C. § 1401
U.S. Copyright Office Circular 56a (Copyright Registration of Musical Compositions and Sound Recordings)
Rodney Crowell - Soul Paint album release information
MCA Records discography / catalog
Wikipedia: Rodney Crowell

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.