Songwriter Sues Aretha Franklin’s Publishing Company for Unpaid Royalties
A longtime songwriting partner of Aretha Franklin has sued her publishing company, claiming it did not sign a royalty agreement for a song on her recently released album, says report from BCNN.
The suit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit by Norman D. West also accuses Springtime Publishing Inc., of copyright infringement over an earlier song and seeks unspecified damages to ensure future royalties.
West said no royalty agreement was signed for “Put It Back Together Again.” That song and “New Day,” which West said he co-wrote, appear on “Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love.” The CD was released this spring — her first studio album in about eight years.
West, 45, and Franklin have worked together on songs for more than 20 years. His lawsuit asks a judge to order Springtime Publishing to sign the royalty agreement.
“These are two parties that have a long-standing working collaboration,” West’s attorney, Jeffrey Thennisch, told The Detroit News. “Mr. West has the utmost respect for Springtime and everyone associated with it. Mr. West has told me that he owes much of his career to Aretha Franklin and that he views her as both a mentor and a guiding force in his career.”
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January 1st, 2013 
AT2W Staff 
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