In Addition to songs by the Beatles and Pointer Sisters, it was recently revealed that Michael Jackson’s extensive catalogue of tunes includes the fight song of the University of Wisconsin, winner of this year’s Rose Bowl.
The university’s On, Wisconsin, the song used by the school’s athletic teams, was part of a catalog of songs bought in 1979 by former Beatle Paul McCartney.
However, several years ago, Michael Jackson purchased a huge music publishing catalog that included songs by numerous artists, including the Beatles’ catalog.
Jackson’s ownership of On, Wisconsin reportedly relates only to the international rights to the song. The original composer of the song is deceased and the copyright reportedly has expired. As a result, no one controls the rights in the U.S. and it is part of the public domain.
The song has received tremendous exposure because the Wisconsin Badgers football team went to the Rose Bowl (as Big 10 champions) for the first time since 1963, and generated more national attention on the school.
July 8, 2009...4:36 pm
What do Michael Jackson and Bucky have in common?
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5 Comments
July 8, 2009 at 9:12 pm
International rights to “On, Wisconsin!”, eh? I guess this is our big chance to make sure that this abomination never happens again (note: link is an MP3).
July 9, 2009 at 3:51 am
both have faces made of hardened plastic.
July 9, 2009 at 7:54 am
Those damn Canadians! I’m so upset right now.
July 9, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Jesus Christ. You know, considering all the nice people Canada gives us, I can let that slide….but still. What sort of bullshit is that?
July 16, 2009 at 12:37 am
[...] My original post didn’t say much different…. Jackson’s ownership of On, Wisconsin reportedly relates only to the international rights to the song. The original composer of the song is deceased and the copyright reportedly has expired. As a result, no one controls the rights in the U.S. and it is part of the public domain. [...]