SAG-AFTRA, the union representing artists/singers on sound recordings, applauds bipartisan introduction by Reps. Darrell Issa (R-California) and Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) of the Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service, and Important Contributions to Society Act (CLASSICS Act). The bill grants sound recordings made prior to 1972 federal copyright law protection to ensure royalty payments for legacy artists.
“We thank Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Nadler for their strong support of music creators. Establishing equal treatment for pre-1972 sound recordings is long overdue, and we applaud this bill for correcting that injustice. This bill, together with the Fair Play Fair Pay Act, and its creation of an AM/FM performance right and “willing buyer, willing seller” standard across all platforms will ensure that all artists from all generations receive fair market value for their sound recordings.” – Jeffrey Bennett, Chief Deputy General Counsel
