2007-01-16 04:17:27 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Most of the Beatles songs publishing rights are owned jointly by Sony and Michael Jackson who purchased the catalog of music from Associated Television Corporation in 1984. As the joint owner of the publishing rights for everything the Beatles produced from 1963 to 1968--probably their most prolific songwriting period--Sony and Michael Jackson only control the use of the songs in movies and advertising.
Apple Corps own the rights to media distribution to such places as iTunes and Napster. Apple Corps. is controlled by the surviving Beatles members and the deceased Beatles' widows. They are in a legal battle now with Apple Computer over trademark issues and this is likely the reason that Beatles music isn't on iTunes. Since iTunes is by far the leader in digital music, it wouldn't make sense to use Napster or Rhapsody so Apple Corps. will wait to see what kind of deal can be made. They were very slow to adopt the previous format change from vinyl and were one of the last to make their albums available on CD's. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for their release on iTunes.
So, suck it up and buy the #1 Hits CD, rip it and load it on your iPod.
2007-01-16 04:52:54 · answer #1 · answered by travelwitheric 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the Beatles have not licensed the tracks for online distribution. It doesn't have anything to do with Michael Jackson. He owns a piece of the publishing, which means he can license the songs (music and lyrics) but he doesn't control the recordings of the actual songs. I read recently that the Beatles are in the process of digitially remastering all of their recordings for online licensing, so....hopefully they will be available soon.
2007-01-16 04:32:46 · answer #2 · answered by evilim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They probably haven't released the rights to them yet.. but you can buy the whole cd through best buy. .. and I am sure there are sites where you can download songs for free.
2007-01-16 04:21:39 · answer #3 · answered by Mizhani 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Michael Jackson owns the rights, and he's not selling.
2007-01-16 04:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋