When I read the article about the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), wanting to charge non-profit organizations like the Girl Scouts to sing songs around the campfire, I was so angry I had to sing out myself.
ASCAP is already partially responsible for the switch from music on the radio to all-talk because of the fees they charge stations for playing music. ASCAP charges merchants and restaurants to play radios in their places of businesses, as well. Where next? Singing in the shower?
Don’t’ get me wrong, I think that ad agencies or Hollywood producers who use pop music or classic songs should pay big bucks. I think live theater should pay for the rights to sing on stage, as should professional singers. This is where the real money comes from for the composer.
A lot of royalties, however, go to distant heirs who never wrote anything. But mainly they go to ASCAP administrators who write nothing more than nasty letters to people who just want to spread happiness by singing songs written by people who wanted them to be sung.
