copyright would have to remain with the songwriter and artist, and not with the publisher or recording company

Yeah, right.

But what about the artists who signed a contract with a friend (Bill Leader) giving those rights to that recording company owner, only to see that company sold twice over once he went out of business?

These artists now get no royalties nor recognition for their work. Can't be right . . .

Now, back to watching Life Of Brian. Bloody hell, just actually heard that MFAFH snatch on the MFI ad.