As you sit on the couch this holiday season, scrolling through "Yes/No" options on whether it will snow in New York or if the Fed will cut rates, just remember: The house is betting on your biology, and the house always wins.

Few pop stories explain music ownership as cleanly as this one: Dolly Parton writes a song, keeps her publishing; Elvis wants it, but demands half; Dolly says no; Whitney Houston records a cover that becomes a global supernova; Dolly earns for decades.

Ever wonder what happens to your favorite artist's music when they die? The world of music ownership is more complicated than most people realize, but understanding the basics can help you make sense of the industry — and protect your own creative work.