In 2025, a mountain of work dated to between 1924 to 1929 will enter the US public domain, including some well-known and beloved songs that are still regularly performed today. Thousands of compositions (that is, the music and lyrics) are now open for re-interpretation and incorporation into other artworks, while specific recordings made in 1924 have also expired their 100-year term.
While the number of works now entering the public domain is substantial, research published by the Center for the Study of the Public Domain, has honed in on some notable examples. In their lengthy article, the Center spotlights some key works across numerous categories.
We're interested in the music-side of things first and foremost, and as we move further and further into the future, some classic copyrights in both composition and sound recording are now starting to offer up some very well-known works for the plunder of those who want to take them and adapt them without fear.
