The Simi Sara Show - Mon Jan 26 - Tom Petty Awarded Royalties for Sam Smith Song by CKNW published on 2015-01-26T19:26:36Z Upon the release of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” in April 2014, a number of listeners were quick to note the distinct resemblance to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 1989 classic “I Won’t Back Down” As it turns out, Petty’s lawyers also took notice, and the UK crooner has since agreed to pay songwriting royalties. According to The Sun, Smith and Petty actually settled out of court back in October, but details only emerged just this weekend. The settlement reportedly included a 12.5% writing credit to both Petty and singer-composer Jeff Lynne (of ELO fame). The song’s credit on ASCAP — that’s the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers — now lists Smith, Petty, Lynne, and Jimmy Napes as the chief songwriters. Unlike other copyright infringement battles, this one was done behind closed doors without any mud-slinging. Will we see more cases with artists admitting to copyright infringement and settling the issue quietly? Guest: Oliver Herzfeld Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for Beanstalk, a leading global brand licensing agency The Simi Sara Show airs Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm on CKNW 980. simisarashow Genre simisarashow
