Culture

Jackson Browne sues John McCain/ Picking the perfect song for your campaign

by World_Groove | August 15, 2008 at 10:32 am

784 views | 11 Recommendations | 8 comments

Akin to Oil and Water, Art and Politics do not mix

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne sued Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting John McCain and the Ohio and national Republican committees in US District Court in Los Angeles, accusing them of using his song Running on Empty without his permission.

Is the Lawsuit running on empty ?

But is Browne even suing the right people? McCain spokesman Brian Rogers told the Los Angeles Times that the ad in question was not technically a McCain campaign ad but one produced by the Ohio Republican Party.

Using the old lawyer tactic of Sue everyone, because someone must be in the wrong.

The lawsuit claims the song's use was an infringement of his copyright and will lead people to conclude he endorses Mr McCain.

The suit says Browne is a lifelong liberal who is as well-known for his music as for being "an advocate for social and environmental justice".

I am not an expert on the subject, But as I understand it, "If" his publisher agreed to a usage and BMI was paid, then no law suit.

Browne appeared in several rallies for presidential candidate Ralph Nader......, singing "I Am A Patriot" and other songs

Browne performed at a fundraiser for Democratic candidates in Ohio. For the 2008 Presidential Election he endorsed John Edwards for the Democratic Presidential Nomination and performed at some of Edwards' appearances.

.........speaking of things running on empty....but I digress.

Robert Bennett, chairman of the Ohio party, said the ad was pulled when Browne objected. He called the lawsuit a "big to-do about nothing".

McCain spokesman Brian Rogers disavowed the ad, saying it wasn't a product of the Republican presidential candidate's campaign.

Browne's lawsuit contends the Ohio Republican party released the ad on behalf of Mr McCain and the RNC.

The concerns go on to speak to the use of songs during campaign speeches, however as long as the campaign paid a event use fee for the song, the artist has no control over its use at events even if they conflict with their ideology.

Browne's attorney, Lawrence Iser, called the ad's use of the song "reprehensible".

Browne has not had an Song in the U.S. top 100 chart since 1986, and that year he topped out at number 80

Considering his past success in campaigning for candidates, I'd say the McCain people really do not want Browne's support as it appears to be the kiss of death.

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World_Groove

at 11:22 on August 15th, 2008

For the record, I think Jackson Brown is a Brilliant songwriter.

PEP

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 11:45 on August 15th, 2008

World_Groove, I like this story. It's good stuff. Gee, Jackson Brown was last see at a John Edwards rally, right? And we all know how that turned out. ;}