It's hard to say...  I suppose you would expect them to have a say, if Sting's estate is transferred to next of kin etc..  but contracts may be specific to Sting, and in which case, a record company might say that upon death, the contract is automatically terminated, leaving them able to release pretty much what they want, even if next of kin objects...
Unless the next of kin explicitly owns all publishing rights....  which is unusual.
 
Next time some poor sod dies, count how many hours it is before you see record shops stocking more, and promoting more of that artist...  then see how many days it takes before all the record companies start releasing or reissuing albums....
 
I was shocked at how quick Johnny Cash adverts started appearing on TV....  Cash by name, cash by nature it seems.
 
J.
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Stingfan222@aol.com [mailto:Stingfan222@aol.com]
Sent: 26 May 2004 11:01
To: jason@digital-solutions.co.uk; police@mailman.xmission.com
Subject: Re: R: [Police] dvd / Stewart new cd cover

Really? Sting's family doesn't have any say in the matter?
Michelle in TX


In a message dated 5/26/04 6:50:22 AM, jason@digital-solutions.co.uk writes:


Roy Orbison, Elvis, Nina Simone, Johnny Cash, George Harrison, Ian Dury,
etc. etc.....  Ok, ok, not all my musical taste, but it's almost like the
record companies are counting their lucky (or unlucky rather) stars when
someone dies...  Immediate cash boost.


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