Dolly Parton

Parton famously declined a proposed Elvis Presley recording of I Will Always Love You when the deal required surrendering half its publishing. Whitney Houston's later recording demonstrated the value of retaining the composition's rights. The songwriter could earn from another performer's interpretation without owning that performer's recording. Her catalogue administration agreement with Sony/ATV in 2019 also illustrates the difference between appointing a representative and selling away the underlying asset.