I'll mark and read this entire thread later, but I'll drop in here with two cents worth.

Bob, I've received royalties for some of Dad's songs, modest amounts from performers who contacted me about it. I wouldn't have known, otherwise, because I haven't done a search. It was nice to get the recognition.

I have boxes and boxes and reels and reels of the same stuff you do. And I would never ask for compensation for any of Dad's performances on those tapes of yours, and would hope the courtesy would be mutual all around with the core group of folks who are likely on those tapes. No one is going to get rich with any of those performances, but they might help fund a scholarship or endowment some day, to support the collection or a family member, and I would like to see anyone who can master such a performance put the funds to that use.

Deciding to go public with this music is a complicated thing, and is a reason why groups like the revived site you and Stew are doing is so important--it helps keep some of those contacts viable for times like this, when you feel the need to track down performers, or their estates.

SRS