Web Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
07.31.2008 8:05 am

Did Gretchen Wilson steal from the Black Crowes?

  • Email this
  • Print this

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).

24 comments

Comments are closed.

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!

— Charlie
9:49 pm August 2nd, 2008

I guess the Black Crowes realize they are now just a back up band. I think they will lose this one.

— Walter
9:52 pm August 3rd, 2008

Ripped off, and poorly. Other than Chuck Leavalls keyboard on the Crowes tune, same, same, same.

— Danielle
10:59 pm August 3rd, 2008

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!

— Shell
3:24 pm August 6th, 2008

Pages: « 1 2 [3] Show All