Copyright Question

[Jeff1]

I have a question concerning song copyrighting. I'm working on a project that involves reinterpreting the works of blues singers of the early 1900's who's works are currently owned by publishers. These songs were changed through arrangement by adding or subtracting chords and melody or adding instruments. Parts of lyrics were used in these arrangements by the writer and additional lyrics were added by the current artists. My question is this. My intention is to give copyright credit to the original writer when any part of his or her song is used, but can the current artist also be credited as a writer or collaborator? If so how would this be listed in the credits?

[john]

More to the point, you need permission from the current copyright owner. It is the current owner that tells you how to credit the works and IF you are allowed to alter the work, and what rights THEY have over the derived works. Generally if you contact them up front they will giver permission, and usually that will include the permission to create derived works.

[Jeff1]

Thanks John, I'll contact the publisher and see what they say.