Reply To: Kar-eee-oooooooooh-keeeeeeeee!
Love and Harmony has two authors. Marian has posted a note on her Web site saying that she doesn’t mind any not-for-profit use of her stuff, so all I’d need to do is check with the other author — Joel Hermansen — to be sure. I’m pretty sure Joel will say it’s OK.
Legally, the rule is that anyone can perform anything live (that’s free speech). But publishing and commercial exploitation usually require permission. (For example, an establishment where performances occur may need to pay fees to a performing rights organization.) There’s also some question as to whether compulsory mechanical licenses cover karaoke. (Most people assumed they did until recently, when one US District Court ruled that a synchronization license was required. But that court doesn’t have jurisdiction throughout the whole US, so the waters are now muddied.)
The upshot of all of this: I can definitely make a karaoke file and use it myself, or bring it to a karaoke event, without asking anyone. I can probably also give it to a few people privately, if they agree that it’s not for publication. But unless the author has already granted blanket permission (e.g. via a Creative Commons-type license), it’s best to get permission before putting it up for everyone to download.