Thread: How do I find out copyright info for a song? And how do I contact for permission to use the song?

I frequently come up with ideas for song parodies. I'd like to actually record some of them, but I'd like to get permission from the original composers.

Where can I find the contact information for a particular songwriter? I'm assuming I'd have to get in touch with their legal representative.

You can look to see if the licensing is held by BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC. You can contact for the permission through those channels.

I'm working on a book on Homer & Jethro (the kings of parodies), and I checked with a songwriter who was a victim of one of their parodies -- songwriters can prohibit you from doing a parody of one of their songs.

I did a Google search on "fair use song parody copyright"

You have a wide latitude when it comes to parodies. Read this:
http://www.publaw.com/parody.html

It was written by a copyright attorney...

BMI and ASCAP are publishing trackers. A piece does not have to be published to be protected by copyright.

You can search the US copyright office for existing copyrights. By the way, this is also where you copyright your creation.