Did Gretchen Wilson steal from the Black Crowes?
Gretchen Wilson’s always been a scene-stealer, but the Black Crowes are accusing her of being a song-stealer as well.
The Southern rock band has filed a copyright infringement suit against the country-singin’ Pocahontas native, saying her “Work Hard, Play Harder” unlawfully lifts from their classic oldie “Jealous Again,” a hit from its 1990 album “Shake Your Money Maker.”
The suit also names Wilson’s label Sony BMG and cable channel TNT. “Work Hard, Play Harder” is used during promos for the channel’s “Saving Grace,” starring Holly Hunter, and is slated for Wilson’s upcoming CD.
Crowes’ manager says “We find the musical verses of Wilson’s song to be such an obvious example of copyright infringement that I expect all parties to reach a relatively quick resolution to avoid litigation.”
Songwriting of Wilson’s tune is credited to Wilson, John Rich, and Vicky McGehee.
Do the Crowes have a leg to stand on? Compare the two songs and decide for yourself (and don’t be swayed by my opinion that Wilson may have a real situation on her hands).
Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade. 
I don’t think the songs are enough alike to be considered a rip off.
They sound a little alike, but so do a lot of songs.
An obvious rip-off.
I like both groups, but the melody and harmony definitely sound very similar in both videos. Gretchen’s had a bit more underneath it, but still very similar.
Yeah, an obvious rip-off… Boy, that Gretchen song really sucks. Whatever happened to real country music?
This girl does not have an original bone in her body!
IT’S A RIP OFF!!!!
Time to pay up my dear!!! PAY UP!!!
Similar in chord structure and melody but not lyric content. Maybe the Rolling Stones should sue both artists for royalties. Well wait the stones took that riff from Chuck Berry who learned it from Howlin Wolf with help from T-Bone Walker who copied Lonnie Johnson’s style.
How about a class action suit? Everyone who has played guitar and used the G C D chords or E A D progressions should be held liable.
Amen, Willie.
Not only did she steal it, she ruined a great song. I’d sue too. Typical for country to steal from real music and make a mess of it.
jeez she stole the vocal style. Listen to first lines of Jealous Again. Both songs are even in the same key, man.
Sorry, not even close. If you want close refer to George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” to Chiffons “He’s So Fine” or Queen/David Bowie’s “Under Presure” to Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” and so on. There are only so many chourd structures to go around but I think the riffs are just to far apart for a lawsuit. The Muzic Mafia gets off the hook on this one.
Obvious rip-off but given all three parties make more money in a weekend than I do in a year, I could really give a shi ite.
Clearly a steal. Any jury would agree, so there will be a settlement.
But when will the Faces sue the Crowes for stealing their whole sound?
In my opinion not enought to win if I was on the jury. I will admit there is some simularity in the songs but that is true with many songs.
They don’t sound close to being the same. So whats the point? Gretchen’s song way better. crowes just want to start things cause gretchens is better.
The harmonies and rhythms are so typical of southern rock and modern country that I do not understand how any of those bands can really call themselves original. Personally, I think that Ms. Wilson’s rendition is unique enough to neutralize any claims of plagiarism. After all, in rock and country rock, it’s the total product that counts. They don’t sound anything alike to me.
I think if anybody would have a complaint it would be Chuck Berry. The rest of these artists are merely building upon what he started.
Sounds pretty much a like.
Maybe The Rolling Stones should sue The Crowes for ripping off Crazy Mama and turning it into Jealous Again. The Crowes have been ripping off The Stones, Faces and Humble Pie for years. I think they owe Mick and Keith at least half of their songbook.
Hell Yes the song is stolen! I wouldn’t say she stole cuz shes not the songwriter. Maybe she decided to record the song knowing it was a rip off and saw a great way to get some publicity. Either way, The Black Crowes deserve all the money generated from the song that they wrote. They are the musicians and the real songwriters. Either way, Gretchen Wilson isnt even close to their level, check out these videos I found of their 2001 and 2007 performances at the Voodoo Experience in New Orleans. There is also a great interview with Chris Robinson on the site. Voodoo Experience Videos
Also, Willie’s comment that the chord structure is the same and anyone who played a G C D song should be held liable is insane. Its time to get schooled on copyright law, you can’t copyright a progression, you copyright the melody, which in this case was….STOLEN!
The beginning of the verses has a similar sound but that is all. Other than that its totally different. Many songs have pieces that are similar to a piece from another song. Sounds to me like the Crowes are looking for a fast buck. If I were on the jury they would get nothing and pay her costs.
Gretchen’s song is SO MUCH BETTER it’s not even a toss up! They may sound a little alike but what music these days does not sound somewhat alike? There is a lot of music out there and the Crowes have nothing at all to ‘crow’ about.. get a life and get a job!
I guess the Black Crowes realize they are now just a back up band. I think they will lose this one.
Ripped off, and poorly. Other than Chuck Leavalls keyboard on the Crowes tune, same, same, same.
Nope, not a steal. Opening chords, some riffs are a lot alike but there are at least a dozen (or maybe more) songs which one could easily say have been equally similar to each other over the years! The bridges on both songs are different - that alone would throw it out of court. As mentioned in previous posts, there are always songs which sound alike - and there will always be speculation as to whether or not it was intentional. And most musicians who have written the originial pieces will often say that it’s seldom something like this is an intentional rip-off. Sure, it sometimes happens but with groups or musicians who have already established themselves in the business and are doing well, it’s rare, if ever, done intentionally. They don’t need or want it!