Title: Is George Gershwin's song "Rhapsody in Blue" a public domain composition?

Q.  Is George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" a public domain song?

A.  Yes, in some places, but not everywhere.  

This song is one of the anomalies concerning the "Sony Bono" Act where the copyright was extended on certain works for sale in the USA market by 95 years.  In the US, it is in copyright until January 2038.  It is in the public domain elsewhere in the world now with the exception of France where it will remain in copyright until 2013.

So, to summarize:

1. USA in copyright until 2038

2. France in copyright until 2013

3. Elsewhere it is already public domain and can be licensed here now for commercial use.

We have a great orchestral version online here:  

http://www.audiosparx.com/sa/summary/play.cfm/sound_iid.263784

Additional Gershwin Songs With a Similar Status

• An American in Paris

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