Posted by Mike McCready | February 10th, 2015 | No responses
A trial is due to begin this week to establish who wrote 24 of the Village People’s songs including Y.M.C.A.
Original band member Victor Willis won a court ruling in May 2012 to reclaim the rights to his share of the group’s songs. His royalty payments were due to increase from a 12-20% rate as a result, but he claims that as one of two songwriters, he is entitled to a 50% share.
However, Billboard reports that publishers Scorpio Music and Can’t Stop Productions believe Willis is only due a 33% share, pointing to copyright registrations indicating a third author, Henri Belolo.
Mike McCready is an entrepreneur at the crossroads of music and technology. He pioneered the introduction of Hit Song Science into the music industry and followed up with Music Xray, the company he co-founded and serves as CEO. His companies have been the subject of case studies at Harvard Business School, IESE and he frequently guest speaks at many of the top business schools around the world. He helps the music industry identify high potential songs and talent and helps musicians get deals, get fans, & get better: http://musicxray.com