The song is “Alberta,” which the album’s liner notes credit to blues guitarist Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter. The suit notes that the song is actually based on the blues song “Corrine, Corrina,” which was written by singer Armenter Chatmon, popularly known as Bo Carter, who recorded it in 1928.
I don’t even know what to think about this. Clapton is being sued for $5 million.
I can’t imagine this was done intentionally, he obviously attempted to credit someone, also it seems like nothing but a money grab now considering this infringement happened 24 years ago, on a work that’s now nearly 90 years old.
Also, incidentally, I’ve listed to his version of it so many times that I can’t hear this song in my head without this “ah hang on hang on” at the beginning as he realized he was setup wrong.
Shakedown. “The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Chatmon’s step-grandson Miles Floyd.” – Christopher Scapelliti, GW
aGet the credit straight. Pay the money
If a record company would bring this to court, then an individual should, too.
Any “living” artist being harmed by this? https://www.scribd.com/document/328728170/Eric-Clapton-others-sued-over-standard-Corrine-Corrina
“suing Clapton and the other defendants for receiving royalties and for failing to give proper credit.”
Typically when a song is credited in liner notes, there are royalties associated with them. The incorrect credit meant an incorrect distribution of royalties. If the plaintiff is correct about where credit belongs, he likely has a strong case to receive those royalties.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts about having no thought about this 🙂
Why are families / descendants of artists always such money grubbing thieves?
Lots of strong role models to learn from out there.
But as Meaux says above, if royalties were paid to the wrong entity, there should be redress.
Because deep pockets.
Maybe because he’s asking for $5 Million. If that’s what the royalties were paid to Ledbetter and its rightfully owed to Chatmon’s step-grandson Miles Floyd, then so be it. But $5 million seems out of bounds to me.