[Harp-L] Re: Harmonica Slim info/Song Licensing Help

[tom ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

>  >I previously posted I was looking for publishing info
> >  for Harmonica Slim's "Drop Anchor". My band covers it
> >  on our upcoming CD and we are doing everything legit
> >  w/ licensing the cover tunes. Thanks to Ralph Parker
> >  and T-Roy for the info, but Unfortunately it got me
> >  nowhere. I was able to find info for "High Society
> >  Music" ,owned by Lloyed Glenn's widow, through BMI,
> >  but the number doesn't work. Does anybody have any
>  > conatct info for Mrs. Violet Glenn if she is still
> >  with us or Mr. Travis "Harmonica Slim" Blaylock?
> >
> >  And if I can't find them what do I do for a mechanical
> >  license for this song? List it as "Copyright Control"?
> >
> >  C'mon I can't be the only guy who's recorded an ultra
> >  obscure tune from a 50 year old fly by night record
> >  label on this list.
> >  Thanks
>  > Ryan
________________
Hi Ryan,

According to BMI's site, Violet Glenn's address is (or was):  1230 W. 
Wilton Place, L.A. CA 90019.  But then you probably already know 
that.  Oddly enough, when one cross-checks BMI's site by song title 
(or by individually looking up either Blaylock or Glenn as 
songwriters) the title "Drop Anchor" is not listed. Similarly a 
search of Harry Fox's site yields nothing, either by song title or 
writers' name(s.) Same with ASCAP.

On the original 78, Vita Records' address is listed as: 1486 No. Fair 
Oaks, Pasadena CA.  But then that probably won't be of much help 
these days.

As far as I know, Harmonica Slim is still living.  His latest CD 
(2000) is called "Cold Tacos and Warm Beer" on Fedora Records. 
Perhaps a letter to them might clear things up? Fedora Records, c/o 
Jazz Depot, 106 W. 71st St, NY NY 10023.

In the meantime you could always go ahead and issue your CD with the 
info you do know, i.e.: (Blaylock-Glenn) High Society Pub., BMI. 
After all you have made every legitimate attempt to chase down the 
license, and provided you kick in the royalties when/if the contact 
info comes to light, you should be OK.

good luck,

Tom Ball