Can anyone help me sort out the discouraging labyrinth of copyright law for releasing a CD with an old song recorded on it? "Blind Jack Copeland" recorded the song (those brown eyes) in 1929.
i'm trying to release my first CD after decades busking, performing and living on nickles. the duplicator, (copycats, out of minneapolis) is proving more of an adversary than an ally. i've been asking for their help in tracking down the holder of the copyright on this song ( tho other two that were in question, "milwaukee blues" and "old rugged cross," i've been able to somewhat "prove" that they're public domain. but this one is proving a stumbling block.
i thought i could just sing a waiver, saying i'll take all the blame. i don't mind paying for even a 70-year old copyright holder, like hank williams' estate of merle travis. but, man, we're talking the frigging 1920's here! it smacks of organized crime. and i've dealt with organized crime in the past and will likely do so again, but not until i'm convinced that there's no upright option.
    anyone with experience in this realm out there? thanks!