In 2016, a lawsuit was filed against Ed Sheeran and his No. 1 single, “Thinking Out Loud.” The heirs of Ed Townsend, who was the co-writer for Marvin Gaye’s 1973 soul classic “Let’s Get It On,” sued Sheeran for allegedly intentionally copying the song. The lawsuit claimed that Sheeran’s song had a similar melody, harmony and rhythm.
The estate of Townsend includes his daughter, Kathryn Townsend Griffin; sister Helen McDonald; and his former wife, Cherrigale Townsend. The party wanted $100 million in damages and an injunction preventing Sheeran from further profiting from the song.
Sheeren denied the claims, arguing that the similarities within the songs were coincidental and were a common chord progression that was used in pop music. Sheeran claimed that he wrote the two-time Grammy-winning song with his guitarist, Amy Wadge.
The trial was put on hold in 2019, and then again delayed in 2020 due to Covid-19. It wasn’t until 2023 that the case went on a two-week trial.
During the trial, Sheeran defended his case, describing his personal experience writing the song with his guitarist after his grandfather had passed. He even performed the song in front of the court as he explained his songwriting process. During the second week of the trial, he told the court that he would be “done” with music if he was found guilty.
“I find it really insulting to work my whole life as a singer-songwriter and diminish it,” Sheeran said.
The jury eventually ruled in favor of Sheeran, concluding that there was not enough evidence to prove Sheeran had intentionally copied Gaye’s song. Following the verdict, Sheeran expressed his relief but also shared his disappointment and frustration with the emotional and financial toll lawsuits like this place on musicians.
This case is substantial for artists in the songwriting industry due to this being a common lawsuit and verdict happening time and time again. It continues the discussion about copyright laws and how they apply to popular music, especially with the use of common chord progressions and musical motifs.
– JaTasia Powers
On Oct. 4, 1982, The Smiths made their live debut at The Ritz in Manchester, England. The alternative band, led by frontman Morrissey, included Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce, Craig Gannon, Dale Hibbert and Ivor Perry. Their performance was unique and unlike anything the British alternative rock scene had seen before. At the time of the performance, the band didn’t have much music out since they were still up and coming, but its significance in the alt scene was memorable. At the time, The Smiths’ discography was short but the lasting impression made on that day sent their career soaring.
With a relatively brief performance, The Smiths performed four songs. The set consisted of “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle”, the only live performance of “Suffer Little Children,” a cover of U.S. girl group, The Cookies’ “I Want A Boy For My Birthday” and a vivacious new song called “Hand In Glove.” The Smiths’ big debut came about as a result of a band called Blue Rondo A La Turk. When this band was also performing at the Ritz, the promoters were contacted and convinced to let The Smiths play the infamous venue in support.
When the melancholic band took center stage, they were introduced by James Maker, one of Morrissey’s friends at the time. A funky energy quickly ensued after Maker introduced the band. He stayed on stage to dance and play the tambourine and maracas. At the time, the event was described by The Face magazine as “the kind of live music fashion show that the British don’t attempt enough.” The Smiths’ sound had a vibrancy and wistfulness that had never hit the Ritz stage before, so this debut performance was new and fresh for the audience.
Although many would say that The Smiths’ live debut was not their best performance, with a touch of chaotic energy and few songs, it was one to be remembered and the start of a band that would make a name for themselves forever in the alternative rock music scene.
– Sophie Sparkman
On Oct. 5, 1973, Sir Elton John’s seventh studio album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was released. It went on to become his most successful, topping the Billboard Top 200, being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and selling over 30 million copies. This album has emotionally embedded itself into the lives of many, becoming a timeless force in music history.
When I think of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, a flood of memories rushes in. Scattered across my life, this album carries a deep sense of nostalgia, throwing me into pictures of the past. I’m transported to the backseat of our bright blue minivan, with Mom and Dad singing along up front. It brings me back to karaoke sessions in the car with friends and glimpses towards the future at a high school senior night. Most notably, though, I’m taken back to what I personally believe to be a pretty perfect Father’s Day gift: sitting in Comerica Park, watching the sunset over the stage, a cool summer breeze and the unforgettable opening notes of “Bennie and the Jets” as the show begins.
In celebrating the anniversary of this remarkable album, I highly encourage you to think back on your memories with it. Where do the songs take you? Can you feel the air, picture the scene? And if you haven’t sat down to listen to this album in full, I can’t recommend it enough. It truly does possess that magic and nostalgia promised in the title.
– Noelle Simonelli
