Would this cd be illegal if I sold it?

Question

I used creative software on my computer to make a bunch of different extended versions of the short Bob Dylan song "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" (which I extended to 5 minutes on one version and it sounds better than the original) If I sold these to others would that be illegal? Could I give them away without getting into real trouble?

THANKS GUYS! I DON'T WANNA BE COUNTED AS ONE OF THOSE PIRATES AND I DON'T INTEND ON DOING ANYTHING THAT IS ILLEGAL!!!

Answer 1

Your extended versions are probably what copyright law calls a "derivative work", and you would need permission to distribute them to others, with or without money changing hands. Perhaps you could negotiate a license with Dylan's publisher.

Answer 2

You must figure out how to get permission to do this, but you can't easily get permission to do so if there will be little financial gain for Bob Dylan in giving you permission. Like at the time Guns n' Roses was at their height they did "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" which stood to benefit Bob Dylan in a positive way both financially and in introducing his music to a new generation. Now I have seen people play other people's songs on YouTube, I believe that's legal, but make a name for yourself first and then Bob Dylan will be able to gain something positive from you doing his song.

Answer 3

Ask Bob Dylan what he thinks.. And if you get ahold off him, ask him not to have me called up on his next pot search!

Answer 4

YES its illegal. be careful if you do it. cause ur copying someone eles song and sellin it, same as burning movies and selling them.

Answer 5

giving them away is just as bad - you are distributing someone else's work

$orry