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.