Can I use lines from songs i.e. "living on a prayer" Bon Jovi, sung by myself and recorded in a product for sale (a doll)?

You would need a license from the publishing company. When neither the label's master recording nor any image of the artist is used, a license from...

The tapes may or may not have considerable value....it will depend on the material, the artist, the physical condition of the tapes, whether there...

I just ran across a rap song on you tube that included an original poem I wrote almost 20 years ago.

I agree with the comments above, which are right on the mark. If you own (or can become owner of) your original material, and if there is...

I've many clients who have done this, and it generally works fine. Oftentimes they will start out this way, then once there is substantial income...

Im looking for a exclusive rights contract agreement to be written for purchase of right to own music produced for me

You would also want to make sure that the agreement includes the appropriate warranties, especially re digital samples etc.

I recently was offered a record contract. I wanted to know if this contract is pretty standard and fair contract.

I would agree with the gist of the comments above, i.e., you need to have a competent, specialized attorney review the contract. Just looking at...

Can you use a drawing of dead person/celebrity for a website without asking permission.

You should discuss this with a competent, specialized attorney. You should discuss with him or her, among other things, the issue of 'rights of...

I agree with the above responses. Two major red flags: (1) A label asking you to advance part of the costs (unless it's a true joint venture, which...

What is a recommended length of term on a recording artist contract with a new management company?

It depends on what your expectations of the manager are. For example, if one of your main reasons to enter into the management agreement is so that...

Is it common practice in a management agreement for a manager to have power to sign/endorse checks on behalf of artist?

It's very common in personal management agreements, but the potential problems are obvious. When representing an artist, I typically add a...