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.