Albert E Bromley Sr's "I'll Fly Away" fought over in courts

A MAJOR legal dispute is currently being played out in the US courts concerning the ownership of the classic 1920s gospel hymn "I'll Fly Away". Composed by Albert E Bromley Sr, rights of the song were owned by Bromley's wife Goldie and their six children after the composer died in 1977. She sold her interest in the copyright for a dollar to Bromley And Sons Publishing. Subsequently, Robert Bromley bought it for $240,000. The lawsuit seeks shares in royalties currently being paid to Robert's company. Down the years, the song has been recorded by such acts as Bill Gather, Aretha Franklin, Jim Reeves and hundreds more as well as being used in the hit film O Brother, Where Art Thou. "I'll Fly Away" reportedly earned some $1.4 million between 2004-2009. CR

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