The words of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., were often delivered with a certain tempo or rhythm, signifying a "call to listen" to those attending the civil rights leader's marches and sit-ins.
Now a deal between the estate of King and EMI Music Publishing may allow the public to listen to King's speeches in part or in their entirety when they are put to music or any other digital media use.
Already, parts of King's "I Have A Dream" speech can be heard in "Happy Birthday," R&B artist Stevie Wonder's tribute to the late Civil Rights leader; "I Have A Dream" by gospel artist BeBe Winans; and "A Dream" by hip-hop artist Common.
The agreement between EMI Music Publishing and Atlanta-based Intellectual Properties Management means musicians of all types will be able incorporate to the slain minister's words into their work, Dylan Jones, EMI's vice president of corporate communications, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Intellectual Properties Management, or IPM, oversees licensing for The King Estate.
Dexter King, chairman, president and chief executive of The King Estate, told the Associated Press that EMI was best positioned to "increase The King Estate's ability to preserve, perpetuate and protect the great legacy of Martin Luther King Jr."
Read more about the deal in the AJC or the Associated Press.
