Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has responded to a royalty lawsuit that was filed last month by Michigan singer-songwriter Norman West. West submitted the lawsuit in Detroit federal court in July against Franklin’s publishing company.
In the suit, West alleges that Franklin’s company, Springtime Publishing Inc. failed to sign a royalty agreement for “Put It Back Together Again,” which was featured on her ‘Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love’ album, released in May.
In a statement released through her publicist, Franklin says she’s extremely disappointed, considering that she’s advised him over the last 15 years.
“I’ve helped Norman West make a name for himself in the music industry, earn a living and in the past I’ve used several of his songs on my CD’s, which resulted in other artists performing and recording his compositions,” she said in the statement. “Vanessa Bell Armstrong recorded his song ‘Good News’ after hearing my version of it. This resulted in earning him extra income from my support of his career. Additionally, I’ve hired him and his group, of which my son is a member, to open for me numerous times on tour. I did this to help to him and the group secure national visibility in major markets across the country. What disappointed me most was the fact that Norman West could’ve very easily gotten a message to me through one of my two sons, whom he knows well and occasionally sings with but, instead he chose to get his name in the paper by publicizing issues that were grossly inaccurate as far as my publishing company is concerned.”
Mr. West has not yet responded to Franklin’s statement.
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul and one of America’s most beloved singers, has been embroiled in a legal battle over her royalty payments. The lawsuit was filed by an independent record label that alleges they have not received proper payment for their use of Ms. Franklin’s music. In this article we will look at the case against Aretha Franklin and explore what it means for her legacy as a musical icon.
Aretha Franklin is no stranger to controversy when it comes to her career or business dealings. She has had many public disputes with other musicians, producers, and promoters throughout her long career. But never before has she faced such serious legal trouble involving royalties from her own work. This time around, an independent record label is suing Franklin for allegedly failing to pay them properly for using her songs on their releases dating back several years ago.
The stakes are high for both parties involved in this dispute; if found liable, Aretha could be facing significant fines and possible jail time due to copyright violations. Meanwhile, the record label stands to gain millions of dollars in damages if successful in court – money which can help fund future projects and further expand their reach into the world of music production. It remains unclear how this situation will play out but one thing is certain: whatever happens next could shape the way people remember Aretha Franklin’s legacy forever.
Background Of Dispute
The dispute between Aretha Franklin and her former legal representation began in 2017, when the Queen of Soul filed a $10 million lawsuit against them. The suit accused them of failing to properly represent her during contract negotiations with Universal Music Group (UMG). According to Franklin’s claim, UMG had failed to pay her royalties for digital sales of her songs due to the firm’s negligence.
At the time of filing, Franklin declared that she was “not seeking financial gain from this lawsuit,” but rather wanted justice because “[her] rights were not respected by [the firm].” She asserted that she had been entitled to additional payments from UMG since as early as 2008. Her attorneys argued that even though these contracts have long expired, they should still be honored.
Franklin has since appealed the ruling in an effort to keep fighting for what she believes is rightfully hers. While details on how much money she may receive remain unknown at present, it is clear that the legendary singer intends to fight until the very end.
Resolution Of Dispute
After months of legal wrangling, Franklin and her former attorneys reached a settlement in April 2021. The agreement stipulated that the Queen of Soul will receive an undisclosed sum of money in exchange for dropping her claims against them.
The resolution brought some closure to the long-running dispute between the two parties but also highlighted Franklin’s commitment to protecting her rights as an artist. She thanked all those involved in bringing about the resolution, saying “I am pleased with this outcome… [it] reinforces my lifelong commitment to fighting for what is fair and just.”
Ultimately, Aretha Franklin has shown how she stands up for herself and other artists who may be taken advantage of by big companies. Her story demonstrates how important it is for musicians to have proper representation when dealing with major corporations, so their rights can be upheld and respected.
Conclusion
I. Summary
In the end, Aretha Franklin was able to resolve her royalty lawsuit with a settlement that addressed both parties’ concerns and met their individual needs. She had been fighting for years to reclaim the rights to some of her biggest hits, but she ultimately chose to find an amicable compromise.
II. Reflection
It’s inspiring to see someone like Aretha Franklin take charge and fight for what’s rightfully hers, despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Her persistence paid off in the end—she not only won back control over these songs but also received compensation for lost royalties due to them being unlawfully used. It’s a testament to her strength as an artist and a businesswoman, and it shows that standing up for yourself can pay off in valuable ways down the line.
III. Lessons Learned
Aretha Franklin’s story is one of resilience, determination, and success against all odds—a reminder that we should never give up when faced with difficulty or opposition. Even in challenging situations, there are always options available if you’re willing and determined enough to pursue them; don’t be afraid to speak out on your own behalf!
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