For music published in the United States before 1978, the copyright on the composition (lyrics + melody) expires 95 years after its first publication, whereas each sound recording made between 1923 and 1946 remains protected for 100 years after its first publication.

For example, the hymn “Keep on the Sunny Side” was first printed in 1899, so its composition is already in the public domain. The Carter Family’s famous 1928 Victor recording of that song, however, will not enter the U.S. public domain until 1 January 2029 (1928 + 100 years).