C. Mervyn Maxwell's copyrights?

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Sun, 09/18/2011 - 14:34 — Haruo

I'm hoping to use the hymn "Christ the Lord, all power possessing" in a hymn sing on Oct. 30. It is (c) 1984 by its author, C. Mervyn Maxwell, but he died in 1999. What is the best way to ascertain the current status and whom to contact to attempt to secure permission?


Comments

Mon, 09/19/2011 - 09:15 — dianneshapiro

Hymn sings are usually covered by a license (say from CCLI). The best thing is to check with the church's or venue's licensing agency to see if thy cover this hymn. It is also usually possible to purchase a license for a one time use.

Mon, 09/19/2011 - 12:31 — Haruo

...if the copyright-holder is deceased, how does one find out who his or her heirs or assigns in the matter are? I have only seen this hymn in the 1985 Seventh-Day Adventist Hymnal (not yet indexed here, alas), and the information in that book indicates that the copyright was held by the author. I don't think CCLI can override an author's copyright, though I also don't think it at all likely that anyone will object if we sing the hymn without permission. But I'd like to do the right thing, and get permission if the owner can be determined.

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 08:46 — dianneshapiro

We recommend you contact the publisher of the hymnal to see if they have contact information.

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 14:00 — Haruo

I did look at the Review & Herald copyrights FAQ, but it didn't address this issue. Since then I have managed to locate C. Mervyn's son, on the faculty at Andrews University, and am awaiting information from him.

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