Post #629449 by OnyaBirri on Tue, Mar 20, 2012 5:07 PM

On 2012-03-20 13:22, bcxists wrote:
If you say so. But my experience with AFM contracts is that they normally list EVERYONE who can expect a mechanical royalty, which, in the case of "Nature Boy," I know for certain that every person who played on the session got royalties until the end of their lives, and they still go to their heirs. So I'd imagine that Baxter was not about to be stiffed, but thanks for the info. I will look into it.

I understand what you're saying, but that's the whole tricky issue with farmed-out or "ghost" arrangements: The person who did the work often was not credited. They were either paid a flat rate as an assistant, or they did it as a favor to another arranger, knowing they may need a favor in return. Keep in mind that Baxter was just starting out at this point. I'm sure he was grateful to get to work with someone as big as Nat "King" Cole to solidify his reputation.

Since you mentioned it, plenty of artists over the decades opted out of royalties for a flat rate, because they were starting out or simply needed to pay the rent. Fats Waller sold "Ain't Misbahavin'" outright, for, if I recall, a hundred dollars.

I'm sure you can find confirmation of Baxter's involvement with "Nature Boy."

Sorry if my previous post came off stronger than what I intended. Thanks again for the blog!