Music legends demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T

SPOTTED: Legends of the music world joined lawmakers on Thursday demanding respect.

Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas, Buffalo Springfield’s Richie Furay, The Byrds’s Roger McGuinn, and Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner teamed up with Reps. George Holding (R-N.C.) and John Conyers (D-Mich.) to introduce the Respecting Senior Performers as Essential Cultural Treasures (RESPECT) Act.

{mosads}The legislation would require digital radio services to pay royalties to pre-1972 artists when their music is played. 

According to organizers, songs recorded after February 1972 are protected by federal law, while tunes recorded before that date are protected by state law.  

SoundExchange, a nonprofit performance rights organization, also launched an effort called “Project72” on Thursday in support of the bill. Its president and CEO was on-hand for the bill’s introduction at the Rayburn House Office Building.