Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?

Subject: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 10:09 AM

I've been wondering about several stories I have on a very, very old vinyl children's record, it might even be one of those not-LP sized not-45s. Ed Mccurdy, with his glorious voice, tells them. I would like to illustrate them and turn them into children's books, but first:

1)Have any of them been turned into songs, yet? They aren't poetry but they are beautiful stories.

2) What is the statute of limitations or whatever, on taking material from one medium into another?

The stories I'm thinking of are about, I don't know what the exact titles are:

The violet and the pansy
The teakettle that wanted to sing like people (this one is already musical)
The little echo that got lost.

If anyone wants to know the stories, I can gloss them for you. But I'd make the books, or the songs, exact to Ed McCurdy's renditions.

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From:
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 04:35 PM

I'm not sure what you mean by the "statute of limitations". He died a year or so back. Copyrights are still in place, as far as I know. Think the time frame is 75 years?

As for using them in another medium, usually you would contact the publisher or the author (his estate or family since he's deceased) for permission to adapt.

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 09:15 AM

I don't have the number with me at the moment (I'm writing this at work), but you should check with Doug Yeager - he can be reached at Yeager Productions in NYC. Doug works with Ed's family. I can also put you in touch with Ed's son Dana - write me privately at [e-mail] and I can get you the information.

I knew Ed when he lived in the city and he was one of the more memorable guests on my radio program TRADITIONS. When Ed passed away I did a three hour tribute with help from Doug and a visit from Dana. Ed was a gem and I am guessing that his family and friends would be honored to see his legacy continues. I am trying to keep his music alive on my show.

I'm curious - the LP that you are referring to, is the Folkways recording??

Ron Olesko WFDU-FM

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 11:46 AM

I'll have to ask Mom to look at the label, I'm not sure. It was recorded in the 40's or 50's, it was already an established family favorite before I came along. So the SONGS are (c) circa 1950? Which would make this 50 years, but not 75? Or does the copyright go with the age of the artist and it really is only a year (sigh) since Ed McCurdy died? Meanwhile, yes, I'll email, thanks!

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 02:47 PM

I have in my possession a CD of Ed McCurdy the title of which is "Cowboy Songs." It is on the Traditional label. The original was an LP with the same title but I don't if the record has been deleted?

The CD No is: TCD 1025 was produced in 1996.

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 02:54 PM

Skipper - I believe the CD is still in the catalogue.

Just curious, I used to know a folksinger who called himself Sailorman Jack. Are you the same person, perhaps with a promotion??

Ron

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 03:01 PM

Ron

Nope!

Skipper Jack

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 03:08 PM

My mother who's writen some 30 childrens books told me that copyrights run 40 years, with the option of extending them another 40 years.

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 03:51 PM

Great, Charley. Does that mean 40 years from time it was written/recorded, or from the death of the artist? And how do you (does she) find out whether the (c) has been extended or not? And what children's books, anyway? I'd love to see something by your Mom! (Probably already have, who knows...)

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: GUEST,Dana McCurdy
Date: 09 Dec 21 - 01:00 AM

This is the album you're referring to: https://music.apple.com/nz/album/childrens-songs-and-stories/278758085
As far as I know, this is still copyrighted material. My brother, sister, and I still receive royalties for his work. His publisher was (and still is) TRO, in NYC. I'd forgotten how wonderful these stories were - they were old favorites, and bring back beautiful memories.

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 09 Dec 21 - 08:25 PM

The album notes are available at Smithsonian Folkways site
https://folkways.si.edu/ed-mccurdy/childrens-songs-and-stories/music/album/smithsonian

https://folkways-media.si.edu/liner_notes/folkways/FW07771.pdf

a resource document posted to Mudcat here:
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=52969#3909629

Cheers, Thomas.

Subject: RE: Ed McCurdy STORIES - any music?
From: PHJim
Date: 10 Dec 21 - 04:31 PM

I recall Ed and Jamie Snider playing at Mariposa in Barrie in the '90s. When Ed started singing his song, "Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream", Joan Baez walked out and started singing a harmony.
Later that same summer, Ed played at Cobourg's Waterfront Festival, which at that time was a free folk festival. My job was taxiing Ed around the festival and anywhere he wanted to go. He told me that Joan Baez's appearance on the stage at Mariposa was a complete surprise and he was delighted because he'd always had a huge crush on Joan Baez.
He admitted that he also had a crush on my wife.