Thanks for the info, Vic and Derek.

I recall an allusion to Proffitt and "Tom Dooley" in Time magazine around 1961. Even that not-terribly-progressive publication pointed out, ironically, the Trio's deserved financial success from "Tom Dooley" and Proffitt's lack of it. Possibly Time's mention was in connection with the lawsuit that was later settled out of court.

Time's point, that Proffitt's experience up to that time might indicate a real ethical issue, was well taken.

Naturally I'm not suggesting that Proffitt was "exploited" by anybody named in this discussion, or by anyone else, for that matter. And all I know of the suit is what's in this thread. As Jim and Derek observe, though, it's a minefield, and it was at least as bad in the '50s.